Yes, softened water is safe to drink for most people, but sodium content matters if you have certain health conditions
Softened water is not harmful to drink. The softening process removes minerals like calcium and magnesium and replaces them with sodium (salt) or potassium. The water itself remains clean and drinkable. However, the sodium added during softening can be a concern for people on sodium-restricted diets, those with high blood pressure, or anyone whose doctor has advised them to limit salt intake.
The amount of sodium in softened water depends on how hard your water was to begin with. Harder water requires more salt during the softening cycle, which means more sodium ends up in the finished water. A water softener treating very hard water might add 100 to 200 milligrams of sodium per liter, while one treating moderately hard water might add 50 to 100 milligrams per liter. For comparison, the FDA recommends limiting sodium to 2,300 milligrams per day for adults.
If sodium content is a concern for you, you have options. Many people use a reverse osmosis filter or a deionization system on their kitchen tap to remove sodium from drinking and cooking water while still enjoying the benefits of soft water elsewhere in the home. Some water softeners can be set to use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride, though potassium-based systems cost more and require more frequent refilling.
Key Takeaways
- Softened water is safe to drink for people without sodium restrictions, as the softening process does not introduce harmful contaminants.
- The sodium content in softened water varies based on your water hardness level and can range from 50 to 200 milligrams per liter.
- People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or doctor-ordered sodium restrictions should check their softened water's sodium level or use a separate drinking water filter.
- Reverse osmosis filters and potassium-based softeners are two ways to reduce sodium in softened water if you need to limit your intake.
Who should avoid drinking softened water
If your doctor has told you to limit sodium intake, you should have your softened water tested for sodium content before drinking it regularly. People with congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or high blood pressure are often advised to watch their sodium consumption, and softened water can add up over time if you drink several glasses a day.
Infants under six months old should not drink softened water. Their kidneys are still developing and cannot handle the sodium load as well as older children and adults. If you have a baby in the home and use a whole-house water softener, use unsoftened water (or bottled water) for formula and drinking.
How to check the sodium content in your softened water
The easiest way to know how much sodium is in your softened water is to contact your water softener company or the manufacturer. They can tell you the sodium concentration based on your water hardness level and the type of salt you are using. Many companies provide this information in the product manual or on their website.
You can also have your water tested by a certified lab. Search for "water testing lab near me" or contact your local health department for a list of accredited labs in your area. A basic water quality test costs between $50 and $150 and will measure sodium, minerals, and other contaminants. Some water softener retailers offer free or low-cost testing as well.
Using a separate drinking water filter with your softener
Many households with water softeners install a point-of-use filter at the kitchen sink to remove sodium from drinking and cooking water. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective option—it removes sodium, minerals, and other dissolved solids, leaving you with very pure water. These systems typically cost $200 to $600 for the unit and installation, and they waste some water during the filtration process (usually about 3 gallons wasted for every 1 gallon of filtered water produced).
A deionization cartridge is another option that removes sodium and minerals without wasting as much water as reverse osmosis. These cartridges cost $30 to $100 and need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on your water use. They are less effective than reverse osmosis but simpler to maintain.
If you choose this route, you still get the benefits of soft water for your appliances, pipes, and shower while keeping your drinking water low in sodium. This is the most common solution for people who need to limit sodium but want a whole-house softener.
Potassium-based water softeners as an alternative
Some water softeners use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride (salt) during the softening process. These systems add potassium to your water rather than sodium, which is better for people on sodium-restricted diets. However, potassium-based softeners cost 25 to 50 percent more than salt-based systems, and the potassium chloride pellets are more expensive to buy and harder to find in some areas.
Potassium-based softeners also require more frequent refilling because potassium chloride is less efficient at removing hardness minerals than sodium chloride. If you have very hard water, you may need to refill the tank every 4 to 6 weeks instead of every 8 to 12 weeks with a salt-based system. Before switching to a potassium-based softener, check whether potassium chloride is available in your area and compare the long-term cost of pellets against the cost of a point-of-use filter.
What softening does not remove from your water
Water softening removes hardness minerals but does not filter out bacteria, viruses, lead, or other contaminants. If your water supply has other quality issues, softening alone will not fix them. You may need a separate filtration system—such as a carbon filter, reverse osmosis system, or ultraviolet (UV) treatment—depending on what contaminants are present.
If you are concerned about water quality beyond hardness, have your water tested before and after softening. This will show you what the softener is removing and what still needs to be addressed. Your local health department or a certified water testing lab can run a full analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink softened water every day?
Yes, if you do not have a sodium restriction. For people without high blood pressure or kidney issues, the sodium in softened water is not a health concern. If you are unsure whether softened water is right for you, ask your doctor about your specific sodium limit and have your water tested.
Does softened water taste different?
Many people notice softened water tastes slightly salty or flat compared to hard water. This is because the minerals that give hard water its taste have been removed and replaced with sodium. Some people prefer the taste; others find it takes time to adjust. If taste is a concern, a reverse osmosis filter at your kitchen sink will remove the sodium and improve the flavor.
Is softened water bad for plants or pets?
Softened water is generally safe for pets and plants, though some plants are sensitive to sodium. If you water houseplants or a garden with softened water over time, sodium can build up in the soil. For outdoor gardens or sensitive plants, use unsoftened water when possible. Most pets tolerate softened water without issue, but check with your veterinarian if your pet has kidney disease or other health concerns.
What if I have a salt-free water softener instead?
Salt-free systems (also called water conditioners) do not add sodium to your water. They use different technology—usually potassium-based cartridges or crystallization—to prevent minerals from building up on pipes and appliances. If you use a salt-free system, sodium content is not a concern, and the water is safe to drink for everyone, including infants and people on sodium-restricted diets.
How often should I test my softened water?
If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, test your water once when you first install the softener to establish a baseline, then every 1 to 2 years or if you notice a change in taste or appearance. If you have no sodium restrictions, testing is not necessary unless you have other water quality concerns.