Hi, there! I'm Dr. Water, a water treatment expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. I've dedicated my career to understanding water quality and treatment solutions, and I'm here to help you navigate the intricacies of your water system.

## Can I drink softened water?

You're smart to be curious about the safety of drinking softened water. While a water softener provides many benefits like making your hair and skin softer and your appliances last longer, it's essential to understand its impact on your drinking water.

Here's the deal: water softeners work by replacing hardness minerals – mainly calcium and magnesium – with sodium. This process softens the water but increases its sodium content.

Now, for the million-dollar question: Is it safe? The answer, like most things related to health, is: it depends.

Let's break it down:


1. Health Considerations:

* Sodium intake: The amount of sodium added to your water depends on the hardness of your water and your softener's settings. For people on sodium-restricted diets, this added sodium can be a concern. Consult your doctor to determine if drinking softened water aligns with your dietary needs.

* Other minerals: While water softeners primarily remove calcium and magnesium, they might also remove trace amounts of other beneficial minerals. However, these minerals are typically found in much higher quantities in food, making their removal from water insignificant for most individuals.


2. Alternatives:

* Drinking water bypass: A popular solution is installing a dedicated drinking water faucet bypassing the softener. This way, you can enjoy softened water for other uses while having access to unsoftened water for drinking.

* Potassium Chloride Softeners: Instead of sodium, these softeners use potassium chloride. While effective in softening water, they are generally more expensive and might not be suitable for individuals with kidney problems due to increased potassium intake.

* Reverse Osmosis Systems: For comprehensive water purification, consider a reverse osmosis system. These systems remove a wide range of contaminants, including sodium, providing high-quality drinking water.


3. Testing is Key:

* Water hardness test: Determine your water's hardness level to understand the amount of sodium being added.

* Sodium level test: Test your softened water for sodium content, especially if you have health concerns related to sodium intake.

* Professional analysis: For a complete picture, consult a water treatment professional. They can analyze your water and recommend the best solution based on your needs and concerns.

In conclusion, while drinking softened water is generally considered safe for most people, it's crucial to consider your individual health conditions and sodium intake. Exploring alternatives like installing a bypass or using a potassium chloride softener can provide peace of mind and cater to specific needs. Remember, knowledge is power. Get your water tested, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed decision about your drinking water.
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Yes you can. The process of softening water means there is a small amount of extra sodium in softened water. ... If you live in an area where your water hardness is 400 mg/litre as calcium carbonate you must have a separate hard water drinking tap. Some customers think softened water will taste salty.read more >>