Can You Drink Softened Water? Safety, Benefits & Considerations
Water softeners are widely used to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water, making them more effective for cleaning, bathing, and extending the lifespan of appliances. However, a common question arises: Can you drink softened water safely?
While softened water offers several advantages, it also contains added sodium due to the ion exchange process used in water softening. This has led to concerns about its effects on health, especially for people on a low-sodium diet or those with high blood pressure.
In this article, we’ll break down how softened water is made, whether it’s safe to drink water that has been softened, and how you can reduce sodium levels in your drinking water. We’ll also explore alternative solutions and expert recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Softened Water and How Is It Produced?
The Water Softening Process
Hard water contains high levels of calcium carbonate and magnesium ions, which cause scaling in pipes, stains on fixtures, and inefficiencies in washing machines, dishwashers, and boilers. A water softener removes these minerals through an ion exchange softener system, replacing them with sodium or potassium ions.
The process involves:
- Resin Beads & Ion Exchange: Hard water passes through a resin bed, where calcium and magnesium ions are exchanged for sodium ions.
- Sodium Chloride Addition: The softener regenerates by flushing softener salt (sodium chloride) to remove trapped hardness minerals and recharge the resin beads.
- Softened Water Supply: Once processed, the softened water is distributed throughout the home.
While this system effectively prevents scale buildup and extends appliance life, it raises concerns about sodium levels in drinking water.
Can You Drink Softened Water? (Safety & Health Considerations)
Is Softened Water Safe for Drinking?
Yes, softened water is generally safe for consumption, but its sodium content varies depending on your water hardness level. Very hard water areas (above 300 ppm of hardness) can result in higher sodium levels after softening, while areas with moderately hard water see minimal impact.
Consuming too much salt can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, it is important to monitor sodium levels in softened water to maintain heart health.
Comparing Sodium Levels in Softened Water:
| Water Hardness (ppm) | Sodium Added (mg per liter) |
|---|---|
| 100 ppm (Moderately Hard) | ~20 mg/L |
| 200 ppm (Hard) | ~40 mg/L |
| 300 ppm (Very Hard) | ~60 mg/L |
| 400 ppm (Extremely Hard) | ~80 mg/L |
The FDA and WHO recommend a daily sodium intake below 2,300 mg, meaning the sodium from softened water is relatively low compared to processed foods. However, for individuals on sodium-restricted diets or those needing to stay within a strict sodium limit, even small amounts from softened water can add up over time.
Who Should Avoid Drinking Softened Water?
While softened water is safe for most people, some groups should be cautious:
- People with High Blood Pressure: Excess sodium intake can increase blood pressure and cardiovascular risks.
- Infants & Young Children: Their kidneys are still developing, making excess sodium consumption a potential risk.
- Those on a Low Sodium Diet: For individuals limiting sodium consumption, even small amounts from water can add up over time.
- Pets: While dogs and cats can tolerate small sodium levels, it’s best to provide them with unsoftened water.
If any of these apply to you, consider filtering softened water before drinking or using alternative softening methods.
How Much Sodium Is in Softened Water?
Softened water doesn’t taste salty, but it does contain additional sodium. The amount of sodium added depends on the original water hardness.
Sodium Content Comparison (Per Liter of Water):
| Item | Sodium Content (mg) |
|---|---|
| Softened Water (200 ppm hardness) | 40 mg |
| Softened Water (400 ppm hardness) | 80 mg |
| A Slice of Bread | 150 mg |
| A Fast-Food Burger | 1,200 mg |
| A Teaspoon of Table Salt | 2,300 mg |
As seen in the table, drinking softened water adds less sodium than processed foods, but for those concerned, removal methods are available.
How to Reduce Sodium in Softened Water?
If you’re worried about too much sodium in your drinking water, several solutions can help:
Alternative Ways to Make Softened Water Drinkable
If you’re concerned about the sodium content in softened water, there are several ways to improve its water quality while maintaining the benefits of softening.
- Use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System
- Removes up to 98% of sodium, minerals, and contaminants, significantly enhancing water quality for drinking and cooking.
- Ideal for those looking for healthy water with minimal sodium content.
- Install a Dual-Tap System
- One tap provides softened water for cleaning and washing, while another supplies unsoftened water for drinking and cooking.
- Helps maintain better water quality without the added sodium from softening.
- Consider installing a drinking water tap to provide unsoftened, filtered water that is safe to drink. This is particularly useful when sodium levels in softened water exceed safe limits or when individuals have personal preferences regarding water taste.
- Opt for Potassium Chloride Instead of Sodium Chloride
- A potassium-based water softener prevents sodium from being added while still protecting appliances from scale buildup.
- Blend Softened Water with Unsoftened Water
- Mixing the two water types helps maintain a balanced water quality, reducing sodium levels while retaining beneficial minerals.
Myths & Misconceptions About Softened Water
Does Softened Water Make You Sick?
No, softened water is safe for drinking as long as sodium levels remain within recommended guidelines. The sodium content in softened water is far lower than most processed foods, making it unlikely to cause health issues in healthy individuals. However, those with strict dietary sodium restrictions should consider alternative filtration methods.
Does Drinking Softened Water Affect Cooking?
Softened water may alter taste and texture in baking and coffee making. Using filtered or unsoftened water is best for cooking. Additionally, softened water can impact fermentation processes in baking, as the absence of minerals like calcium and magnesium may change yeast activity. For best results, many professional bakers prefer hard or filtered water for consistent dough structure.
Do All Water Softeners Add Sodium?
No, some systems use potassium chloride or salt-free water conditioning as an alternative. These options help avoid additional sodium intake while still preventing scale buildup in appliances. Salt-free water conditioners, however, do not remove minerals but rather change their form to prevent hard water scaling, which may not be as effective in areas with extremely hard water.
Conclusion
Softened water is generally safe for drinking, but its sodium content varies depending on your water’s hardness level. While most people won’t be affected, those with sodium-sensitive conditions should consider reducing sodium through filtration methods like reverse osmosis or opting for alternative softening solutions such as dual-tap systems or potassium-based softeners. If you’re concerned about water hardness, sodium levels, or potential health effects, consulting a water treatment expert can help you find the best solution for your home.
Prestige Water Group provides expert installation, repair, and maintenance across New Jersey. Whether upgrading to a tankless unit or servicing your current system, our licensed professionals are ready to help. Call (973) 227-4740 or email info@pwgroupnj.com to schedule an appointment. Visit our website for details on our plumbing and water treatment services.
FAQ
What Are the Effects of Drinking Softened Water?
Softened water may slightly increase sodium intake, but it’s not harmful to healthy individuals. People with dietary sodium restrictions should use alternative filtration methods. Additionally, softened water lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which some people prefer for their potential health benefits. However, most of these minerals are easily obtained through food, so drinking softened water does not lead to nutrient deficiencies.
What Are the Disadvantages of Soft Water?
Soft water lacks minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial for bone health. Some people prefer the taste of hard water, as softened water can sometimes feel slightly slippery due to the removal of minerals. Additionally, using softened water for watering plants may not be ideal, as the sodium content can affect soil composition and plant growth over time. For those who prefer a mineral-rich drinking experience, remineralization filters can restore some lost elements.
How Do You Remove Sodium from Softened Water?
Using a reverse osmosis filter, blending softened with unsoftened water, or using potassium-based softeners are effective ways to reduce sodium. Another option is distillation, which removes all impurities, including sodium, but is less commonly used for household drinking water. Some people also install separate drinking water taps that provide untreated water while still benefiting from softened water for cleaning and appliances.
Can I Cook with Softened Water?
Yes, but softened water may affect the taste of certain foods like bread and coffee. Unsoftened or filtered water is often better for cooking. Softened water can also impact boiling times for certain foods, as the absence of minerals changes how water reacts to heat. Some studies suggest that softened water may also influence the texture of pasta and rice, making them softer than usual.
