The higher the hardness of the water being softened the greater the volume of sodium or potassium that will be exchanged into the softened water. The greater the volume of sodium or potassium exchanged into the softened water the more likely a discerning palette will pickup that taste. My water runs 26-30g hard and we use KCl. My wife says that the softened water tastes "salty" but when I question her she says "well not really salty but like salty". That is the taste of sodium or potassium in the softened water but SALT as in NaCl or KCL in water really tastes like SALT. We have an RO in the kitchen and use that water for drinking, cooking, coffee, and the icemaker. No salty taste there.

1. Isn't the WS supposed to automatically go into bypass mode during regeneration? Yes. 2. Is it possible that the constant brown-outs and power flickers caused an electronic problem with the softener? When I push the Regenerate Now button, it advances on its own but not sure about the timer (although the salty water and lowering of the salt level tells me the timer is working)? Doesn't sound like you have an electrical problem. 3. Is it possible that the resin beads were so coated that when I added the solution it broke it up some and flakes were released and are now clogging something? No. The backwash and fast rinse will clean this. 4. Should I run the solution through again to try to clean any remaining residue? No 5. Do I need to replace the red disc and gasket (they look fine) or is there a valve problem? Unles it looks bad no. 6. Even if it isn't draing in all of the brine, why would it draw it in later so that we could taste it? That is what you need to find out. If it draws brine the entire brining time (about 60 min) the4n you will have salty water. It should only draw for about 20 min but stay in brining cyc le for 60 min. The float assemble must be on the bottom of the tank. Place unit in a regen cycle and see how full the brine tank gets with water. If it puts in too much, that's your problem. Check the drain flow control. If it's cloged, it can cause salty water.

Did you install yourself or work with a local water treatment rep? List the settings for the softener, both the program wheel in front and salt setting (requires removal of back cover plate). It could be that you are tasting the sodium, not salt. Some folks are sensitive to the flavor of sodium, which is similar to salt. How does your water after the iron filter but before the softener taste to you? If you do actually have salt in your treated water (verified by analysis), there are a few things to check. If you are handy and have a manual you can take these steps yourself. If not, get a pro to do it for you. Check the injector to ensure they are clear and the screen is not plugged Ensure the timer system is cycling as it should Check the brine valve to ensure it is clear and not plugged with debris Check the brine orifice to ensure it is not plugged or partially blocked

Easy mistake especially when try out something new like you did. Probably too late if for tonight....but i would ladle out at least half the broth right away and replace with water. Bring back up the heat and taste for any needed seasonings. (something without salt). Something acidic like lemon and vinegar along with something sweet...like a tsp of honey or maple syrup. Acid and sweet will balance out some salt. I've heard but not needed to try the potato method. Not sure if it could really absorb much salt but worth a try as well. Just scoop them out before they fully cook and break down. In the future start checking labels. If salt is one of the first two or three listed ingredients, it is bulked with lots of salt. Salt is cheap so that is the trick used to keep the price down in seasoning blends and just about everything. Also try and stock in your pantry some no-sodium or low sodium boxed or canned broths. Or a dehydrated one that is low sodium. Even better is to learn to make your own stock and have it always on hand in your freezer. (i last bought a boxed organic chicken and a veg stock about 5 yrs ago when i was running out of mine during a holiday...just in case) Still in my pantry ending up not needing it.