When it comes to water quality in your home, many homeowners turn to water softeners to combat hard water issues. But a common question that arises is: Can you drink water from a water softener? Let's shed some light on the safety, benefits, and considerations of drinking softened water.
What is a Water Softener?
A water softener is a device that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply, which are responsible for water hardness. The process involves ion exchange, where hard minerals are replaced with sodium or potassium ions. Aquasure offers advanced solutions like the Harmony Softener, designed to provide your home with soft, mineral-free water.
How Water Softeners Work
Water softeners function by using a resin bed filled with tiny polystyrene beads, also known as resin beads. As hard water flows through the resin bed, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water are attracted to the beads and replaced with sodium ions. This ion exchange process effectively softens the water, preventing scale buildup and extending the lifespan of your plumbing and appliances.
Is Softened Water Drinkable?
The primary concern regarding softened water is its drinkability due to the presence of sodium.
Sodium Levels in Softened Water
During the ion exchange process, sodium ions are added to the water. However, the amount of sodium typically introduced is minimal. For most people, the sodium levels in softened water are not significant enough to impact health.
Common Concerns
- Taste: Some people might notice a slight change in taste due to the sodium content, but it is often negligible.
- Health Implications: For individuals on a low-sodium diet, the sodium in softened water might be a concern. In such cases, alternatives like salt-free softeners or additional filtration methods can be considered.
Water Softening and Reverse Osmosis
A water softener is not a purifier. Rather it is a large-scale filter that prevents hard minerals from city or well water from entering your sinks or showers. This allows you to enjoy spa-like water at every tap and eliminates nasty calcium build-up around your faucets and showerheads.
When you pair the water softener with Aquasure’s Premier Reverse Osmosis System, you get a more comprehensive water filtration. The RO system, designed for under-sink installation, removes sodium from softened water and filters out harmful impurities from tap water, making it completely safe and palatable for drinking. This system effectively removes lead, chlorine, arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants, ensuring the highest quality drinking water.
Benefits of Using a Reverse Osmosis Filtration System With Your Water Softener
- Removes Sodium: RO systems can effectively remove sodium introduced by water softeners.
- Enhances Taste: Improves the taste of water by removing odors, total dissolved solids (TDS) and contaminants.
- Provides Pure Water: Delivers high-quality, purified water for drinking and cooking.
Salt-Free Option
For those worried about sodium, salt-free water softeners are a viable alternative. These systems use a different technology known as template-assisted crystallization (TAC), to condition water without adding sodium. While they may not remove minerals as effectively as traditional salt-based softeners, they still prevent scale buildup and provide benefits for your plumbing system.
Learn more about our Serene Series Whole House Salt-Free Water Conditioning Systems.
If your water hardness level is extremely hard and the salt content is still a concern, it is recommended that you purchase a Harmony Series water softener and Reverse Osmosis bundle. The salt-free option, while effective overall, will not withstand extremely hard water conditions. Find out your area’s water hardness level with our free tool. No tests necessary!
What's My Water Hardness?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to drink water that goes through a water softener?
Yes, drinking softened water is safe. The sodium levels added during the softening process are typically low and not harmful. However, if you have specific health concerns, consider using a reverse osmosis system to further purify your water.
Can you drink tap water that has been softened?
Absolutely. Softened tap water is generally safe to drink. If you notice any taste changes or have dietary restrictions, an RO filter can help ensure the water meets your needs. If you would rather stick with a water softener, the Serene Series is a great salt-free water treatment option without extra add-ons.
Do water filters remove sodium from softened water?
Water filters can improve the taste and odor of water but are not specifically designed to remove sodium. For effective sodium removal, a reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Can people on a low-sodium diet drink softened water?
For health related concerns, we definitely recommend referring to your doctor about acceptable sodium levels for you and your family. Softened water has an increase in sodium levels which may not be suitable for those with cardiovascular issues. We recommend either a salt-free water softener or a salt-based water softener and reverse osmosis bundle to remove the additional sodium.
Are there side effects to drinking softened water?
Most softened water is safe to drink. The increased sodium in the water may not be suitable for people on a low-sodium diet. Unless the water is consumed in extremely large quantities, there should not be major side effects to drinking softened water.
Conclusion
Drinking water from a water softener is generally safe and beneficial for most households. By using Aquasure's Harmony Softener, you can enjoy the advantages of soft water, such as reduced scale buildup and prolonged appliance life. For those concerned about sodium levels, combining a water softener with a Premier Reverse Osmosis system provides an excellent solution, ensuring you have access to pure, drinkable water.
Ready to enhance your water quality? Explore Aquasure’s Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis Bundles.
By understanding how water softeners work and addressing common concerns, you can make informed decisions about your home’s water quality, ensuring it is both safe and enjoyable for your family.
Which Softener is Right For You?
