Drinking softened water, which is treated with a salt-based water softener, is generally considered safe for most people. However, it does have some potential side effects due to the way water softening works. Softened water contains more sodium, and while this isn’t usually a problem for healthy individuals, it can be a concern for some people. Here’s a detailed look at the potential side effects of drinking softened water:
1. Increased Sodium Intake
The main side effect of drinking softened water is the increase in sodium levels. During the softening process, hard minerals like calcium and magnesium are replaced with sodium ions.
- How Much Sodium? The amount of sodium added depends on the hardness of the water. On average, softened water contains 7-10 mg of sodium per 8-ounce glass. However, if the water is very hard (15+ grains per gallon), sodium levels can rise to around 20-30 mg per glass.
Who Should Be Concerned:
- People on Low-Sodium Diets: Individuals with conditions like high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart disease may need to limit sodium intake. In such cases, drinking softened water may contribute to excess sodium consumption.
Solution:
- Bypass Drinking Water: You can install a bypass line for drinking water, so only the water used for bathing and laundry is softened.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: An RO system installed at the kitchen sink can remove sodium from the water, making it safe to drink even if you have dietary restrictions.
2. Altered Taste
Some people report a slightly salty taste in softened water, especially in areas with very hard water. This can be more noticeable if the sodium levels are higher due to the hardness of the original water.
Who Might Notice:
- Sensitive Palates: If you’re sensitive to the taste of sodium or used to drinking very pure water, you might detect a slight difference in flavor.
Solution:
- Use Potassium Chloride: Instead of using sodium chloride (salt) in the water softener, you can opt for potassium chloride, which performs the same function but adds potassium instead of sodium. However, this is typically more expensive.
3. Lack of Essential Minerals
Water softening removes calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial minerals found in hard water. Some people prefer the natural mineral content of hard water, as these minerals contribute to bone health and muscle function.
Who Should Be Aware:
- Health-Conscious Individuals: If you rely on water as a source of calcium or magnesium, softened water won’t provide these benefits.
Solution:
- Mineral Supplements: You can easily get calcium and magnesium from your diet (through dairy, leafy greens, nuts) or supplements if needed.
4. Impact on Children and Infants
Softened water with higher sodium levels may not be ideal for infants and small children, particularly if they are on a sodium-restricted diet. Babies’ kidneys are not fully developed to handle large amounts of sodium, which can put unnecessary strain on their systems.
Who Should Be Cautious:
- Parents of Infants: Formula mixed with softened water can lead to a higher sodium intake for babies.
Solution:
- Use Bottled or Filtered Water: When preparing baby formula, it’s better to use filtered water (such as through reverse osmosis) or bottled water with low sodium content.
5. Corrosion in Pipes
Softened water can sometimes become slightly more corrosive to metal pipes due to the higher sodium content. Over time, this may lead to plumbing issues in homes with older copper or iron pipes.
Who Should Be Aware:
- Homes with Old Plumbing: If you live in an older home with aging pipes, softened water could exacerbate existing corrosion issues.
Solution:
- Use a Corrosion Inhibitor: Consider using an inhibitor that can be added to your water system to neutralize corrosive effects.
6. Environmental Concerns
While not a direct health side effect, it’s important to mention that salt-based water softeners contribute to increased sodium levels in wastewater, which can negatively impact the environment. In some areas, this has led to bans or restrictions on water softeners.
Solution:
- Opt for Salt-Free Softeners: If you’re concerned about the environmental impact, consider salt-free water conditioners, which don’t add sodium to the water but still reduce scale buildup in your pipes and appliances.
Conclusion: Is It Safe to Drink Softened Water?
For most healthy individuals, drinking softened water poses no significant health risks. The slight increase in sodium is usually negligible unless you’re consuming large amounts of softened water or have been advised to limit sodium for health reasons. In such cases, using a reverse osmosis system or opting for potassium chloride in your softener can help mitigate these concerns.
If you’re worried about the potential downsides, consider bypassing the softener for your drinking water while still enjoying the benefits of softened water for bathing, cleaning, and appliance protection.