Drinking soft water is a common practice in many homes, often resulting from the use of a water softener system to improve household water quality. Soft water is defined simply as water that contains low concentrations of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. Conversely, hard water contains high levels of these minerals, which cause scale buildup in appliances and pipes. For most individuals, the consumption of soft water is considered safe and poses no immediate health concerns.
How Water Softening Changes Drinking Water
The change from hard to soft water occurs through a process called ion exchange. This mechanism works by passing the incoming hard water through a tank filled with resin beads, which are initially coated with positively charged sodium ions.
When hard water flows over the resin, the calcium and magnesium ions are chemically attracted to the beads and swap places with the sodium ions. This exchange effectively removes the hardness minerals from the water. The chemical result is that the water’s profile changes to one containing a slightly higher amount of sodium.
A water softener requires salt to function, as it is used to regenerate the resin beads and replenish their sodium ion coating. The replacement of calcium and magnesium with sodium affects the water’s chemistry and can alter the taste, often described as smoother due to the removal of metallic minerals. This process primarily focuses on removing hardness to protect plumbing and appliances.
The Importance of Monitoring Sodium Intake
The primary health consideration when drinking softened water is the slight increase in sodium content. The ion exchange process introduces approximately 8 milligrams of sodium for every grain of hardness removed per gallon of water. For water with a moderate hardness of 7 grains per gallon, an 8-ounce glass of softened water contains around 12.5 milligrams of sodium.
The sodium added by a water softener is usually minimal compared to a person’s overall dietary intake. For perspective, an 8-ounce glass of softened water with 12.5 mg of sodium is comparable to the amount found in a small slice of white bread. Since the total daily recommended sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams, the added water sodium contributes only a small percentage to the overall daily intake.
The added sodium becomes a more serious consideration for specific populations who must strictly monitor their intake. Individuals with hypertension, kidney disease, or those on a low-sodium diet should be aware of this increase. In cases where the water is extremely hard (over 400 parts per million), the resulting sodium level in the softened water may exceed certain drinking water guidelines.
For those with strict dietary restrictions, options exist to bypass the softening effect for drinking water. Installing a separate, unsoftened tap or a reverse osmosis (RO) filter on the drinking line can remove the added sodium and other impurities. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine if the sodium level in your softened water is a concern based on individual health needs.
Evaluating the Loss of Essential Minerals
Water softening removes calcium and magnesium, minerals recognized for their benefits to bone and cardiovascular health. The loss of these minerals raises questions about the nutritional value of the softened water. However, water is not considered the primary source for these nutrients in a balanced diet.
For most people, the majority of their daily requirements for calcium and magnesium are met through food sources. Therefore, the reduction of these minerals from drinking water does not pose a significant nutritional risk. The removal of these metallic-tasting minerals often leads to a cleaner, smoother taste in the water, which many people prefer.
Concerns about mineral loss are outweighed by the benefits of soft water, such as preventing scale buildup and improving appliance efficiency. If there is concern about mineral intake, a well-rounded diet is the most effective way to ensure the body receives adequate amounts of these essential elements.