Installing a water softener is a great way to protect your plumbing system, eliminate limescale, and maximize the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, just to name a few of the great benefits. But because water softeners use salt in the softening process, there has been some misinformation passed around recently about whether or not it’s safe to consume softened water. Today we’re going to clear the air and talk about why water softeners use salt and whether or not you should be concerned about drinking softened water.
Why do water softeners use salt?
Water softeners use a process known as “ion exchange” to soften tap water. Inside of a water softener, there are many tiny beads that have sodium ions attached to them. As hard water enters the tank, those sodium ions are exchanged for calcium and magnesium ions (hardness minerals) and the softened water leaves the tank. As a result, a small amount of sodium ions are added to the tap water.
Are there any health concerns associated with water softener salt?
Although you might be concerned about the added sodium in softened water, it is actually an inconsequential amount. Here’s what a few leading authorities have to say about the matter:
- The Mayo Clinic: An 8-ounce (237-milliliter) glass of softened water generally contains less than 12.5 milligrams of sodium, which is well within the Food and Drug Administration’s definition of “very low sodium.”
- The Water Quality Association: Each 1 mg/L of calcium carbonate water hardness removed adds only 0.46 mg/L of sodium. Water with over 1200 mg/L of total water hardness would still be classified after ion exchange softening as a “Low Sodium” beverage by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration food labeling regulations because of the trivial amount of added sodium.
So although there is a tiny amount of salt added when your tap water is run through a water softener, in most cases the amount of salt has absolutely no negative health effects.
Water softener salt alternatives for people with certain health conditions
The only people who might have cause for concern when it comes to water softener salt are those who suffer from high blood pressure and have been told by a doctor to follow an extremely low-sodium diet. If this sounds like you or someone in your family, you can still benefit from softened water!
One model of the Hague WaterMax uses potassium chloride instead of salt in the ion exchange process. Be sure to talk with North Carolina Water Consultants about this product and the benefits it can provide for your home.
If you have any questions about the effects of water softener salt, or if you’d like a water treatment system serviced or installed in your home, contact North Carolina Water Consultants. We install Hague water filtration systems in North and South Carolina.