This includes unpleasant odors/tastes, or stiff, scratchy clothes (after laundering).
Water softeners containsodiumto assist with filtration.
Usually, the harder the water, the more sodium it will have once it passes through the filter.
BanksPhotos / Getty Images
This article takes a closer look at how water softeners work and why they contain sodium.
It also explains how sodium in softened water may affect your blood pressure.
What Is Softened Water?
Water softeners work by removing these substances, but to do so, they have to add a replacement.
Commonly, that replacement is sodium.
How Much Sodium Is in Softened Water?
Ask for the hardness of your water in grains per gallon.
Does Salt in Water Softener Cause Hypertension?
Softened water typically contains about 12.5 milligrams (mg) of sodium per 8-ounce glass.
Studies have shown that following a low-sodium diet can lower yourblood pressureby about 8 mm Hg.
Overall, it’s probably okay to drink softened water every day.
However, if you are on a medically low sodium diet, ask your healthcare provider to ensure.
Summary
Water softeners work by exchanging hard substances like calcium and magnesium for sodium.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers adirectory of state resources.
University of Maryland Extension.Sodium in your well water: a health concern.
2018;4(1):4.
Connecticut Department of Public Health.Sodium & chloride in well water: health considerations.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.Sodium & private wells.
University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.Sodium in drinking water and Arizona domestic wells.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment.Sodium chloride in private drinking water wells.
