Can a water softener discharge the backflush directly onto a St. Augustine lawn area without damaging the grass or causing other problems? The water would flow into a swale area between two houses with 7 1/2 setbacks.

This is not ideal practice as the “back flush” is a highly concentrated solution of sodium chloride (potassium chloride) and can damage the grass and any surrounding vegetation due to the high salinity and if regenerated too often. The DOH regulates private wells, not IRC and the concerned person should call 794-7440 to speak with someone at the DOH.

I am not an expert but I would think the salt involved in a water softener would kill the grass.