Are There Side Effects to Drinking Soft Water?

According to health authorities, for most healthy individuals, drinking softened water is considered safe, though it does have potential implications to be aware of. This article will address the key questions, such as the potential for increased sodium levels and mineral deficiencies, when considering if there are side effects to drinking soft water.

Quick Summary

Consuming softened water primarily raises concerns about increased sodium levels and the loss of beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. For most healthy people, the effects are minimal, but individuals on low-sodium diets or infants should exercise caution.

Key Points

• Increased Sodium Intake: Salt-based softeners replace hard minerals with sodium, resulting in a minor increase in the water's sodium content.

• Low Impact for Most Healthy Adults: For the average person, the additional sodium in softened water is minimal and not a significant health concern.

• Caution for High-Risk Groups: Individuals on low-sodium diets, those with hypertension, and infants should monitor their consumption or use a separate drinking water source.

• Removal of Beneficial Minerals: Water softening removes calcium and magnesium, but most people acquire these essential minerals primarily from their diet, not water.

• Corrosion of Pipes: Soft water can be more corrosive, potentially leaching heavy metals from old pipes into the water supply.

• Alternative Drinking Solutions: Options like separate untreated taps or a reverse osmosis system can provide a sodium-free drinking source while still enjoying soft water in the rest of the house.

• Taste and Texture Differences: Some people may notice a slightly different taste or a slippery feeling on their skin when switching to soft water.

Understanding the Water Softening Process

Water softening is a process designed to remove the hardness-causing minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium—from water. This is achieved using an ion exchange process, where the hard mineral ions are swapped with softer ions, typically sodium. The water is passed through a tank filled with resin beads, and a brine solution (sodium chloride) is used to regenerate the beads periodically. As a result, the softened water has a higher sodium content and lacks the minerals found in untreated hard water.

This process is highly effective at preventing limescale buildup in pipes and appliances, extending their lifespan and maintaining efficiency. It also improves the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, which can save money and lead to better cleaning results for dishes, laundry, and skin. However, these household benefits come with potential health considerations for the drinking water supply that should be understood.

Potential Side Effects and Health Considerations

Increased Sodium Intake: A Major Concern

The most commonly cited side effect of drinking soft water is the increase in sodium levels. The amount of sodium added depends on how hard the original water was. While the additional sodium is minimal for most people, it can be a significant issue for certain populations.

• For Individuals with High Blood Pressure or Kidney Disease: Those on low-sodium or sodium-restricted diets must be cautious, as the added sodium can exacerbate their conditions. The World Health Organization and other health bodies advise caution for heart patients and the elderly.
• For Infants: Water softeners are not recommended for mixing infant formula. A baby's developing kidneys may not be able to process the extra sodium efficiently, so it's safer to use unsoftened or specially filtered water.

Mineral Depletion Risks

Water softeners strip out calcium and magnesium, which are beneficial minerals for human health, supporting bone density and cardiovascular function. While most dietary minerals come from food, studies have explored links between low mineral intake from water and health issues.

For those with a balanced diet, the impact of removing these minerals is generally negligible, as they can be obtained from other food sources. However, individuals with poor diets or specific health conditions may be more vulnerable to mineral deficiencies over the long term.

Corrosion and Leaching of Heavy Metals

Soft water can be more corrosive than hard water due to its low mineral content and altered pH balance. For homes with older plumbing, this can be a risk factor, as the softer water may leach heavy metals, such as lead or copper, from the pipes into the water supply. This is a serious health risk that should be evaluated, especially in homes with aging infrastructure.

Effects on Taste and Texture

Some people report a noticeable difference in the taste and texture of soft water.

• Taste: The flavor can be described as slightly metallic or slick, though this is often subjective and depends on the specific sodium levels.
• Texture: The "slippery" feeling of soft water is a common sensory change. Unlike hard water, which leaves behind soap scum, soft water allows soap to rinse away completely, leaving behind only the skin's natural oils. This is often initially perceived as not being rinsed off properly.

Comparing Softened vs. Hard Water: A Health Perspective

Feature	Softened Water (Salt-based)	Hard Water (Untreated)
Mineral Content	Low in calcium and magnesium.	High in calcium and magnesium.
Sodium Content	Slightly elevated due to ion exchange.	Low sodium content.
Health Impact	Minor health risks for most healthy people. Caution needed for low-sodium diets and infants.	Can be a source of dietary minerals. Generally safe.
Appliance Impact	Prevents limescale buildup; increases appliance longevity.	Causes scale buildup in appliances and pipes; reduces efficiency.
Plumbing Impact	Potentially more corrosive to older pipes.	Less corrosive.
Taste/Texture	Often perceived as smoother, sometimes with a slick feel.	Can have a noticeable 'earthy' or mineral-rich taste.

Who Should Be Cautious About Drinking Softened Water?

It's important for certain individuals to be mindful of their softened water consumption:

• Individuals on Sodium-Restricted Diets: Those with health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease should consult their doctor.
• Infants: Softened water is not suitable for mixing infant formula due to the delicate balance of minerals needed during their early development.
• The Elderly: Frail or elderly individuals with underlying health conditions may need to monitor their sodium intake more closely.
• People with Specific Health Concerns: Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition should speak with their healthcare provider to determine if softened water is appropriate for their needs.

Mitigating the Side Effects of Soft Water

If you have health concerns but still desire the benefits of soft water for your home, several solutions exist to mitigate the potential side effects:

1. Install a Separate Un-softened Tap: Many homeowners choose to install a separate drinking water tap at their kitchen sink that bypasses the softener system.
2. Use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: An RO system is an advanced filtration method that effectively removes sodium and other contaminants from drinking water. It is often used in conjunction with a water softener for comprehensive treatment.
3. Consider a Potassium-Based Softener: Potassium chloride can be used as a regenerating agent instead of sodium chloride. This swaps hard minerals for potassium, which is often a more desirable mineral to add to the diet. Potassium chloride is typically more expensive than salt.
4. Have Your Water Tested: To understand your exact sodium increase, test your original water hardness. For every grain per gallon removed, about 8 mg of sodium is added per liter. This helps determine if an alternative drinking water solution is necessary.

For more information on water quality, the Water Quality Association is an excellent resource for residential and commercial water treatment industries.

Conclusion: Is Soft Water Right for You?

While soft water offers clear advantages for household plumbing and appliance longevity, the question of whether to drink it requires careful consideration. For the majority of healthy people, the trace amounts of added sodium do not pose a significant health risk, especially when considering the higher sodium content in many processed foods. However, for specific populations like those on low-sodium diets or infants, precautions are necessary. The removal of beneficial minerals is another factor, though most people receive sufficient minerals from a balanced diet. The potential for corrosion of older pipes is a valid concern that should also be addressed. Ultimately, the decision to drink softened water depends on individual health circumstances and the hardness of the original water source. By using mitigation strategies like separate drinking water taps or advanced filtration systems, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of soft water throughout the house while ensuring their drinking water meets their specific health requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does softened water taste salty?

For most people, softened water does not taste salty. The amount of sodium added through the ion exchange process is very small. Any perceived change in taste is often due to the removal of the naturally occurring minerals that give hard water its flavor.

Is it safe for babies to drink softened water?

It is generally not recommended to use softened water for mixing infant formula. A baby's kidneys are still developing and may not be able to process the slightly elevated sodium levels effectively. It is best to use unsoftened tap water or bottled water for baby formula.

How much sodium does softened water add to my diet?

The amount of sodium added depends on the original hardness of your water. For most tap water, the added sodium is a very small fraction of your total daily intake, especially when compared to processed foods or table salt.

Does drinking soft water cause mineral deficiency?

Soft water removes calcium and magnesium, but the minerals in water are generally not a primary source for most people. With a balanced diet, it is unlikely that drinking soft water would lead to a mineral deficiency.

Can I have both soft water and a separate drinking water tap?

Yes, this is a very common solution. Many systems can be configured to provide softened water to the entire home while leaving a specific tap, often at the kitchen sink, connected to the untreated hard water line.

Is softened water corrosive to my pipes?

Soft water can be more corrosive than hard water due to its low mineral content. This is primarily a concern for homes with older plumbing, especially those with lead or copper pipes, as it could potentially lead to leaching.

Will a water filter remove the sodium from softened water?

Most standard filters, like carbon filters, do not remove sodium. A reverse osmosis (RO) system is a more advanced filtration method that is effective at removing sodium from water.