It is estimated that 85% of the American population uses hard water. If you’re worried that hard water will damage your hair, irritate your skin, or leave residue on your clean dishes, it’s time to invest in a water softener. With this device you can enjoy the fresh water you need at any time. If you’re thinking about purchasing a water softener, you may be wondering whether soft water is safe to drink. We have created an overview of the differences between hard and soft water.
What Is Soft Water?
A water softener instantly turns your hard water into ready-to-use soft water. The system achieves this through an ion exchange process. This process is a type of water treatment method in which water is passed through a resin in which calcium and magnesium are exchanged for sodium. The result is water that contains fewer minerals and is gentler on everything from hair and skin to dishes and clothing.
Can You Drink Soft Water?
Most fresh water is perfectly drinkable and can be used for cooking. The safety of drinking soft water largely depends on the hardness of the water before it is softened. Here’s why.
The harder the water, the more salt is needed to soften it. If a large amount of salt is used during softening, there is an increased risk of some leftovers. Water with higher levels of sodium can increase blood pressure and cause other health problems. To avoid these problems, hard water that contains high levels of minerals before the softening process should be filtered with a reverse osmosis filter.
Does Soft Water Contain Sodium?
Soft water contains sodium, which is left over from softening. In most cases, this sodium content is relatively low and does not pose any health problems. However, the harder the water is before softening, the higher the sodium content after softening. If you are wondering whether your fresh water is safe to drink because you have high blood pressure, we recommend using a reverse osmosis filter to remove excess sodium in your water.
Differences Between Hard Water & Soft Water
How different can hard and soft water be? After all, water is water. It turns out that hard water and soft water have key differences that are important to keep in mind. Take a look at the key risks and benefits of each type of water.
Soft Water Is Better
Many people prefer soft water to hard water because it cleans more effectively and leaves no residue. Additionally, soft water leads to healthier hair or skin and helps appliances work more efficiently for a longer period of time. The best way to treat hard water is to install an ion exchange water softener, which replaces the excess calcium and magnesium in your water with sodium.
Understanding Contamination
Water with a high mineral content is not necessarily contaminated. Contaminated water contains pollutants such as bleach, bacteria or metals that provide no health benefits.
Risks & Benefits of Hard Water
Risks
- Contains harsh minerals, such as calcium and magnesium
- Can have an unpleasant smell and/or taste
- Can leave water spots on dishes and shower/bathtub doors
- Makes hair dry, frizzy, filmy, and brittle
- Stains clothing
- Causes limescale buildup
- Requires more soap to lather
Benefits
- Strengthens your heart and bones
Risks & Benefits of Soft Water
Risks
- Has a higher sodium content
Benefits
- Has a low mineral content
- Gentler on clothes, dishes, and appliances
- Leaves no residue buildup
- Leaves hair and skin healthier
FAQs that talk about “IS SOFT WATER SAFE TO DRINK”
Q: Is soft water safe to drink?
A: Yes, soft water is safe to drink for most people. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not have any specific guidelines for soft water, but it does have guidelines for sodium intake. Soft water can contain higher levels of sodium than hard water, but the levels are still generally considered to be safe for most people.
Q: What are the benefits of drinking soft water?
A: Soft water has a number of potential benefits, including:
- It can reduce soap scum and hard water buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances.
- It can make skin and hair feel softer and smoother.
- It can make clothes feel softer and cleaner.
- It can improve the taste of food and drinks.
Q: What are the risks of drinking soft water?
A: There are a few potential risks associated with drinking soft water, including:
- It can be high in sodium, which can be a problem for people with high blood pressure or other health conditions.
- It can be low in minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are important for human health.
- It can have a diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration.
Q: Who should avoid drinking soft water?
A: People with the following conditions should avoid drinking soft water:
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Pregnancy
Reliable Water Softener Installation & Repair Services
Our team of professional plumbers provides reliable water softener installation and repair services for homes in Roanoke and Salem, VA. Our water softeners services keep your home and family safe by providing a continuous supply of fresh water.
Additionally, our team of certified technicians offers other types of plumbing services such as: Such as water heater repair, water treatment system replacement, sump pump installation, and water pipe replacement. If you are experiencing hard water issues in your home, schedule an appointment with our certified technicians for help. Soft water extends the life of your devices and is drinkable. Our team will install your new water softener and configure the system in your home.
