Can I Drink Softened Water Safely?

Written by Craig "The Water Guy" Phillips

Yes, softened water is generally safe to drink for most people. When water softeners replace calcium and magnesium with sodium, they add approximately 46mg of sodium per 100mg of hardness removed. This amount is comparable to a slice of bread and isn't concerning unless you're on a sodium-restricted diet or have specific health conditions. If your water hardness stays below 400 ppm, you'll enjoy the benefits without significant health implications. Let's explore your options further.

Key Takeaways

• Softened water is generally safe to drink if the original water hardness is below 400 ppm.
• Softening adds approximately 46mg of sodium per 100mg of calcium carbonate removed from hard water.
• The sodium content in a gallon of softened water is comparable to a slice of bread.
• People with hypertension, kidney issues, or on sodium-restricted diets should consult healthcare professionals.
• Installing a reverse osmosis system can effectively remove excess sodium from softened water for drinking purposes.

How Water Softeners Affect Drinking Water

Most water softeners operate through a simple but effective ion exchange process that directly impacts what comes out of your tap.

When hard water flows through the softener, calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions, transforming hard water into soft water that's gentler on your pipes and appliances.

This exchange means your drinking water will contain more sodium than before. For context, the sodium added is relatively minimal - comparable to what you'd find in many processed foods.

However, the impact varies based on your original water hardness. Very hard water (above 400 ppm of calcium carbonate) will result in higher sodium levels after softening, which is why we recommend adding a reverse osmosis system in these cases.

Understanding Sodium Levels in Softened Water

When we talk about sodium in softened water, specific numbers help put things in perspective. The softening process exchanges calcium and magnesium with sodium, adding about 46 mg of sodium for every 100 mg of calcium carbonate removed.

• Softened water is generally safe when original hardness is under 400 ppm
• Very hard water (200 mg/L) can add up to 92 mg of sodium per liter when softened
• The sodium content is comparable to eating a slice of bread
• Water softened from moderate hardness doesn't constitute a major dietary sodium source
• Those on sodium-restricted diets should consult healthcare professionals before regularly consuming softened water

We've found these levels aren't concerning for most people, but it's worth understanding the numbers, especially if you're monitoring sodium intake for health reasons.

Health Considerations When Consuming Softened Water

While softened water offers many benefits for your home's plumbing system, understanding its health implications remains essential before making it your primary drinking source.

We've found that softened water is generally safe to consume when hardness levels stay below 400 ppm, keeping sodium additions within acceptable ranges.

However, we must caution those with hypertension or kidney issues—the additional sodium (about 46 mg per liter for every 100 mg of calcium removed) could impact your health.

Don't worry about losing calcium and magnesium from your water, though, as less than 10% of your daily intake comes from this source.

If you're concerned about sodium levels, consider installing a reverse osmosis system at your drinking water tap. This provides an effective solution that maintains the benefits of soft water while ensuring ideal drinking quality.

Alternatives for Safe Drinking Water in Hard Water Areas

For those concerned about sodium intake from softened water, we've got several practical alternatives that don't require compromising on water quality.

We acknowledge the challenges of balancing water treatment with health considerations.

• Install a reverse osmosis system to effectively remove sodium and other contaminants from your softened water.
• Add a dedicated hard water tap for drinking purposes, though this reintroduces hard water issues.
• Consider water conditioners or multi-stage filters that improve taste without affecting beneficial minerals.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and magnesium to offset any mineral reduction from water softening.
• Use Brita filters as a cost-effective solution to enhance municipal water taste when you don't have direct access to suitable drinking water.

These options guarantee you're getting safe, great-tasting water while addressing any health concerns related to softened water consumption.

Making Informed Decisions About Your Home's Water

Armed with the facts about water softening systems, you're now ready to make informed decisions about your home's water quality.

We recommend regularly testing your water's hardness levels, aiming to keep them below 400 ppm for safe consumption.

If you're on a low-sodium diet or have health concerns, consider installing a reverse osmosis system to remove excess sodium from your softened water.

Remember, the sodium added is typically minimal—equivalent to a slice of bread per gallon—but it's still worth monitoring.

While softened water adds minimal sodium—about as much as a slice of bread per gallon—monitoring your intake remains prudent.

For those with specific health conditions, we strongly suggest consulting with healthcare professionals before committing to drinking softened water regularly.

They can help determine if softened water aligns with your dietary needs and health status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay to Drink Softened Water Every Day?

We've found that softened water is typically safe for daily consumption, though those on sodium-restricted diets should check with their doctor first if their water's original hardness exceeds 400 ppm.

Is It Okay to Drink Tap Water if You Have a Water Softener?

Yes, we can confidently drink tap water from a water softener. The sodium added is minimal—equivalent to a slice of bread per gallon—and safe unless you're on strict sodium restrictions.

Who Should Not Drink Softened Water?

We don't recommend softened water for people on low-sodium diets, infants needing formula, those with kidney or heart issues, or residents with extremely hard water unless it's further purified.

Are There Side Effects to Drinking Soft Water?

We've found soft water has minimal side effects. It's higher in sodium, which may affect those on low-sodium diets. You might notice a slippery feel when bathing, but it's generally safe to drink.