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Water Softeners & Health

According to Homestips.com, 85 percent of American homes have problems with hard water. People purchase water softeners to help deal with these problems. A water softener works by reducing the calcium and magnesium found in water.

  1. Effects

    • Fortunately, the Water Quality Association states that individuals do not have to worry about health problems caused by water softeners. The Association explains that there are no significant physical or chemical changes in the water that would have negative health effects.

    Sodium

    • Water softeners use a considerable amount of salt. However, the softeners only add a small amount of sodium to a person's diet. If a person is concerned about the amount of sodium in their water, the Mayo Clinic suggests switching to hard water for drinking and cooking.

    Skin

    • Soft water can have a positive affect on the skin. People with hard water are more prone to rashes and other skin problems because hard water changes the skin's pH and can cause soap to remain on the skin, which can clog pores.

    Cardiovascular Health

    • There is some concern over the medical effect soft water may have on cardiovascular health. A study that examined the cardiovascular health of 4200 adults reported that there was less heart-disease-related mortality in the hard water areas.

    Environmental Concerns

    • According to Purity Planet, there are also environmental concerns linked to soft water. These concerns involve the sodium and chloride that is flushed away as waste. This waste can damage agricultural crops or aquatic life.

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