Is it healthy to drink water softener water?

Author: Lue Schamberger MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Can I Drink Softened Water? While most softened water is perfectly safe to drink, the amount of sodium in the treated water will depend on the hardness of the original water. If the water hardness is below 400 ppm calcium before you soften it, then you can drink it with little concern.

Is it OK to drink softened water everyday?

Overall, it's probably okay to drink softened water every day. However, if you are on a medically low sodium diet, ask your healthcare provider to make sure.

Is it better to drink hard or soft water?

Again, both soft and hard water are generally considered safe to drink. That said, individuals with hard water may want to soften their water through various means, but rarely will someone with soft water attempt to harden their water supply.

How do you remove sodium from softened water?

Reverse osmosis is a highly effective and natural method for removing sodium from softened water. At the same time, reverse osmosis systems also dramatically reduce the number of contaminants in water.

Do you need a separate drinking water tap with a water softener?

You can fit a separate filtered drinking water tap which will reduce the taste and odour of chlorine and reduce some contaminants in hard water. However, as long as the Water Regulations allow it (see below), drinking softened water is a personal choice.

Drinking softened water

Why is soft water not suitable for drinking?

The process of water softening can cause water to have an elevated amount of sodium. While most soft water is perfectly safe to drink, elevated sodium levels may not be ideal for people with high blood pressure.

Can you water plants with softened water?

But watering plants exclusively with soft water isn't recommended. Most water softeners use sodium chloride, which can cause a gradual build up of sodium in garden soil. This can cause plant growth problems. Instead of soft water, use hard water or reverse osmosis for watering plants.

What are the disadvantages of soft water?

Disadvantages of home water softening

Can corrode your pipes. The corroded metal from the pipes can end up in your water. This can contribute to elevated lead and copper levels in drinking water. Potential health effects from additional sodium.

Does a Brita filter remove sodium from softened water?

Boiling your water or using charcoal filtration like a Brita filter does not remove sodium. Water-softening devices can add significant amounts of sodium to your drinking water. If you have a sodium-based water softener, use a separate, unsoftened water supply for cooking and drinking.

Can soft water upset your stomach?

The difference in hard water and soft water is the amount of sodium within it. Soft water is safe to drink as the amount of sodium added is very small.

Is rain water soft water?

Rainwater is naturally soft, but dissolved carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere makes it slightly acidic. (This should not be confused with 'acid rain', which is much stronger and is caused by different gases). Rainwater soaks into the ground after it falls and then flows slowly through the soil and rocks beneath.

Can hard water cause kidney stones?

No, drinking hard water does not cause an increase in kidney stone formation. In fact, drinking plenty of water, whether hard or soft, is key to staying hydrated and preventing kidney stones. Can limiting my intake of foods with calcium help prevent calcium stones?

Why does soft water feel slimy?

The description of soft water as “slimy” often comes from first-time users who are adjusting to the absence of the familiar friction hard water creates. This slippery feeling is actually a good sign — it means your skin is free of the mineral residues that hard water leaves behind.

What are the effects of soft water on health?

Though soft water has more sodium than hard water, this doesn't make soft water unsuitable for drinking — and it certainly doesn't make it unhealthy.

What is the best water to drink?

7 Healthiest Water to Drink
  1. Spring Water. Spring water is considered the healthiest water to drink because it contains essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. ...
  2. Mineral Water. ...
  3. Distilled Water. ...
  4. Purified Water. ...
  5. Alkaline Water. ...
  6. Reverse Osmosis Water. ...
  7. Structured Water.

Can dogs drink softened water?

All pet owners know that many animals can't consume large amounts of salt. However, water softening only raises the sodium level acutely; therefore, in most cases, your pet can drink softened water.

Is it safe to drink softened water?

Softened water is very safe to drink. Some people worry about the sodium that is released into the water during the softening process, but these concerns are unnecessary. In general, for every milligram of minerals removed from the water, two milligrams of sodium are released.

Why does my water taste salty with a water softener?

It might have become blocked with salt and sediment, which can cause your water to taste salty. You might need to replace the part if you can't get it clean. You should also take a closer look at the drain line itself. If the line has gotten clogged with debris, it can cause your water to taste salty.

How to make softened water drinkable?

Although if you're looking for a way on how to make softened water drinkable, water softening experts at Clear Water Concepts mention that you should consider a hard water tap or reverse osmosis system can be just as ideal a source of drinking water provided you install filters for debris and bacterial contaminants.

What does water softener do to your hair?

Water softeners work to remove magnesium and calcium in your house's water supply, leaving you with soft water, transforming your dull, dry hair into silky, manageable, and healthy locks. If you're tired of dull, lifeless, unruly hair, don't wait any longer for a permanent solution!

Is it better to have soft or hard water?

There is no clear consensus on whether hard water or soft water is better for drinking, but soft water is gentler on the skin and hair. Testing water quality can help determine if it is hard or soft. And water softeners or filters can be used to alter water hardness based on personal preference or specific needs.

What are the disadvantages of soft drinks?

Harmful side effects of Drinking Soda
  • High Sugar Content. One 12-ounce can of soda contains close to 50 grams of added sugar that counts 13 teaspoons. ...
  • Increased Risk of Cancer. ...
  • Causes Sleep Disorders. ...
  • Corrodes Teeth. ...
  • Causes Weight Gain. ...
  • Causes Fatty Liver. ...
  • Loss of Calcium. ...
  • Risk of Heart Diseases.

Is it okay to water your lawn with softened water?

Since soft water contains plenty of sodium, its regular use can lead to spotty or absent growth. The negative impact of watering with this kind of water reaches its highest levels in areas with little rainfall. That's true because lack of rain can leave salt deposits lingering on your lawn for extended amounts of time.

Is soft water better for your skin?

Hard water, loaded with elevated levels of minerals and chemicals like calcium and magnesium, can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Soft water, on the other hand, with its reduced concentrations of these elements, is often more beneficial for the skin.

Is rainwater better than tap water for plants?

Rainwater is 100% soft water

Free of the salts, minerals, treatment chemicals, and pharmaceuticals that are found in municipal water, groundwater, and surface water, rainwater is pure hydration. Salts and chemicals build up in your soil over time and these residues are tough on plants.

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