Water Softener Water: Is It Safe to Drink? Pros, Cons, and Myths
If you’ve ever wondered whether softened water is safe to drink, you’re not alone—well over 165,000 people search for this topic every month. In this guide, we’ll cut through the confusion with a clear explanation of what “water softener water” actually is, when it’s safe to drink, where it may not be ideal, and the best alternatives if you want the benefits of soft water without added sodium.
What Is Water Softener Water?
Home water softeners use water softening resin to replace hardness minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium—with a small amount of sodium (or potassium, if you use potassium chloride). This prevents limescale on fixtures, inside pipes, and in water-using appliances. Softened water often feels “silkier” on skin and helps soaps and detergents work more efficiently.
Is Softened Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, in most households, softened water is considered safe to drink. The water softening process adds a small amount of sodium—commonly on the order of tens of milligrams per liter (typically 20–40 mg/L, depending on feedwater hardness and system settings). For context, that’s normally less sodium than found in many common beverages.
The amount of sodium or potassium is relative to the hardness of your water supply. As hard water passes through the water softening resin, calcium and magnesium are exchanged for sodium or potassium on the water softening resin. This process is called Ion Exchange.
Every grain per gallon of hard water represents 17.1 ppm of dissolved solids.
Examples:
#1. 20gpg of hard water (Calcium/Magnesium) equates to 342 ppm of total dissolved solids (TDS). So in this example, there would be 342 ppm of sodium or potassium present in a gallon of water.
#2. If we take the same 20gpg of hardness but factor in 1ppm of iron (1ppm of (ferrous) iron is equivalent to 4 gpg of hardness, which = 24 gpg of total hardness. 24gpg of hardness x 17.1ppm of TDS = 410.4 ppm of sodium or potassium present in the drinking water for every gallon of water.
Obviously, the levels of sodium or potassium present in drinking water after water softening will be unique for every water supply, depending on the gpg of hardness and dissolved iron.
➣ For peace of mind and to ensure healthy drinking water, a reverse osmosis drinking water system is the best option for removing sodium or potassium, and gives your family great-tasting, healthy drinking water.
Exceptions & considerations:
- Sodium-restricted diets: Individuals advised to limit sodium (e.g., some hypertension or heart conditions) may prefer an alternative to drinking softened tap water with sodium in it.
- Infants or specific medical guidance: Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice.
- Pets & plants: Softened water is generally fine for most pets; potted plants prefer non-softened water to avoid sodium build-up in soil. It's best to use untreated water when watering houseplants.
Pros of Softened Water
- Better taste for some palates: Removes metallic/“rusty” notes tied to hardness and iron interference.
- Less scale in beverage makers: Coffee machines, kettles, and humidifiers stay cleaner longer.
- Whole-home benefits: Gentler on skin and hair, improved soap performance.
- Appliances: Significantly raises the efficiency of water-using appliances and water heaters.
Cons / Practical Considerations
- Slight sodium increase: Softening replaces calcium/magnesium with sodium. While small, some households prefer to minimize it at the kitchen tap.
- “Slick” feel: Reduced mineral content changes mouthfeel; some people prefer the crispness of harder water.
- Not a purifier: A softener doesn’t remove contaminants like PFAS, arsenic, lead, bacteria, or VOCs. If those are concerns, pair with dedicated treatment.
Best Alternatives & Complementary Options
- Use potassium chloride (KCl) instead of sodium chloride: Avoids added sodium; note it can be costlier and requires proper system settings.
- Add Reverse Osmosis (RO) at the kitchen sink: RO removes sodium and a wide range of dissolved contaminants—great for drinking and cooking.
- Blend or bypass: Some homes keep the cold kitchen line unsoftened while softening the hot and the rest of the house.
Quick FAQs
“Is softened water bad for you?” For most people, no. It’s primarily a taste and dietary preference. If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, consider using Potassium Chloride for your water softener or a Reverse Osmosis system for great-tasting, high-quality, sodium-free drinking water and for cooking.
“Is softened water safe for pets?” Generally, yes for most pets. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
“Why doesn’t my softener remove chlorine, PFAS, or bacteria?” Because softeners are designed to address hardness. Use carbon filtration, RO, UV, or other targeted solutions for specific contaminants.
Hard Water vs. Soft Water: Which One Is Healthier?
Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis Systems
Pro Tips Series #2: How to Maintain Your Water Softener for Optimal Efficiency and Quality of Water
Bacteria in Your Well Water: What You Should Know and How to Keep Your Water Clean and Safe
I wish you Good days and Good water!
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