Is Drinking Softened Water Safe?

Have you heard of a water softener before? It’s a filtration system that produces soft water with little-to-no minerals because they’ve been swapped with sodium during an ion exchange process. This leads many people to assume that softened water is filled with high amounts of sodium, which makes it unhealthy. But in reality, soft water is safe to ingest.

This article is here to debunk myths and address a burning question: “Can you drink softened water?” Keep reading to know what it is, where it comes from and its effects on health.

What Is Softened Water?

Softened water involves the removal of dissolved calcium and magnesium by passing them through a filter tank. Regarding taste, soft water doesn’t differ from hard water. They don’t have distinct flavours, however, some say that the former has a hint of saltiness.

How Does Water Softening Work?

Softened water comes from an ion exchange inside a mineral tank filled with resin. What happens is the negatively charged sodium ions attract positively charged minerals like calcium and magnesium. 

When hard water enters the tank, the resin beads extract the minerals and let the soft water exit. 

Debunking Softened Water Myths

Many believe that drinking softened water is bad for your health, but this is not true. The best way to understand its differences is to unlearn or debunk the myths surrounding it. Some of these myths include:

Drinking Softened Water Is Unhealthy Due to Salt Content

Since water softener salt bags are added inside a tank, this increases the salt content of the water, leading people to believe that they’ll get sick if they drink soft water.

This myth is false because softened water contains sodium, but not salt (which is sodium chloride). Simultaneously, the amount sodium contained is too small to be considered harmful to your body. This is why it’s completely safe to drink.

Softened Water Has an Unhealthy Amount of Sodium

The body only needs 2,300 mg of sodium daily. This is why many are hesitant to drink soft water because they think they’ll exceed the recommended daily sodium intake. 

But again, this is just a myth! In reality, the amount of sodium added to water depends on how hard it is. Soft water usually contains 10 to 50 parts per million (ppm) of sodium. According to the drinking water standards, any water with a sodium content of up to 200 ppm is safe to drink. 

Softened Water Removes Essential Minerals

Removing minerals such as calcium and magnesium discourages people from drinking softened water. While this is a convincing myth, the ion exchange process removes the inorganic minerals contained in hard water. 

Your body cannot absorb these anyway since they are considered ‘non-living’ nutrients. 

Softened Water Is Purified

Soft water is not purified. The water softener is meant to remove minerals and replace them with sodium and not purify your water.

Do I Need to Soften My Water?

Depending on where you live, your region may naturally be exposed to harder water than others. In that case, a water softener is a great investment as it benefits multiple facets of your home, including:

1. Prevents the Build-up of Scale in Your Pipes

Scaling is the most common problem of hard water since it leaves a white chalk residue whenever it dries. When not taken care of, it can build up in your pipe system and cause blockages and a decrease in water pressure. 

One way to prevent this is by connecting your hard water deposit to a water softener. Magnesium and calcium are the main reasons for scale formation. By filtering them out, you reduce the possibility of scaling.

2. Lengthens the Lifespan of Your Appliances

Scaling also occurs in kitchen appliances such as coffee makers, dishwashers, and blenders. This can cause reduced efficiency and lead to permanent malfunction if left untreated. The answer here is to shift to soft water because it does not leave any residue and elongates the lifespan of your appliances.

3. Prevents Soap Scum Build-up

Soap scum appears as a white or gray filmy layer over sinks and bathtubs—mostly caused by hard water. You can prevent this buildup by switching to soft water, keeping your bathroom spotless!

Make the Soft Water Switch With LG Home Comfort

Drinking softened water is now possible thanks to LG Home Comfort! Offering the best water softener installation service in the GTA and surrounding area, making the switch to soft water can eliminate inorganic minerals and reduce the effects of hard water, such as calcium buildup and grime. 

Our team of licensed technicians is specially trained to provide assistance and care that your home needs. 

Contact us now to get a quote for our services!