SAN DIEGO -- A new bill known as AB 1366 could change the number of California households that use a water softener, 10News reported.

State lawmakers are trying to stop the use of water softeners due to salt, the active ingredient that cuts calcium in hard water. The San Diego County Water Authority and other water agencies across the state say salt wreaks havoc on their efforts to recycle water.

Maria Mariscal of the San Diego County Water Authority said, "By having that additional salt level, we have to do additional treatment, which means additional cost."

Tierrasanta homeowner Joe Orlando is a big believer in soft water and had a new system installed at his house.

"I couldn't take a shower without soft water. It would take me an hour, so I'm wasting more water," said Orlando.

Soft water rinses soap away faster and stops calcium buildup, and that is why more than 1 million Californians are believers.

Most water softeners were installed by the biggest name in the business, Culligan, and the company is fighting the proposed bill.

"This isn't the solution to the problem; removing the water softeners isn't the solution," said Jonathan Winterstellar, general manager at Culligan.

Culligan said salt emitted from its softening units is only a small part of the problem.

"We're putting more salt down the drain through the garbage disposal than we are with the water softener, so is that next? Are they going to come out and pull your garbage disposal out of your sink?" said Winterstellar.

Proponents of the bill say homeowners will be compensated for getting rid of conventional water softeners and encouraged to use alternative softening systems that don't use salt, making it easier to recycle water.

AB 1366 is on its way to being passed, but many expect Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto it.

One out of every 10 homes in the state has a water softener.