Water softening is a common treatment process that removes minerals like calcium and magnesium to prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances. However, many people wonder if softened water is optimal for drinking and whether additional filtration is necessary. The answer is yes, you can filter softened water for drinking, and in many cases, it’s recommended. This article explores the relationship between water softening and filtration, examining why you might want to filter softened water, the available methods, and the best systems to use for ensuring your drinking water is both soft and pure.
Water softening primarily works through ion exchange, where calcium and magnesium ions (which cause hardness) are replaced with sodium ions. A typical water softener consists of a mineral tank filled with resin beads charged with sodium ions and a brine tank containing salt for regeneration.
The softening process effectively addresses issues like scale buildup in pipes, soap scum, and appliance efficiency. However, it doesn’t remove contaminants such as chlorine, pesticides, heavy metals, or microorganisms that might be present in your water supply.
Moreover, the softening process adds sodium to your water. While the amount is generally small, it can be a concern for those on sodium-restricted diets or with certain health conditions. This is one of the primary reasons people consider additional filtration for softened water.
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Why Consider Filtering Softened Water
Despite its benefits for your home’s plumbing system, softened water may not be ideal for drinking without further treatment. Here are the main reasons to consider filtration:
- Sodium content – Softened water contains added sodium, which may be a concern for those with hypertension or heart conditions
- Unaddressed contaminants – Softeners don’t remove chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, or biological contaminants
- Taste improvement – Some people find softened water has a slightly salty or different taste
- Additional mineral removal – Some filtration systems can remove other unwanted minerals not addressed by softeners
- Environmental considerations – Filtering drinking water can reduce bottled water usage
Methods to Filter Softened Water
Several effective methods exist for filtering softened water for drinking purposes. Each approach has its advantages depending on your specific needs and concerns.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most comprehensive filtration methods available. These systems force water through a semipermeable membrane that blocks most contaminants, including the sodium added during softening. RO systems typically remove 95-99% of dissolved solids, providing exceptionally pure drinking water.
Most RO systems include multiple stages of filtration: pre-filters for sediment and carbon filtration for chlorine and chemicals, followed by the RO membrane and sometimes a final polishing filter. These systems are installed under the sink and provide filtered water through a dedicated faucet.
Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters are excellent for improving taste and removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some other chemicals. While not as comprehensive as RO, carbon filtration is simpler and more affordable. Carbon filters come in various forms:
- Countertop filters
- Pitcher filters
- Faucet-mounted filters
- Under-sink systems
Carbon filtration will not remove the sodium added during the softening process, so it’s not ideal if sodium reduction is your primary concern.
Distillation
Water distillers heat water to create steam and then condense it back to liquid, leaving behind contaminants including sodium. This produces very pure water but requires electricity to operate and works relatively slowly. Home distillers typically produce 1-4 gallons per day, making them suitable for drinking water but not for all household needs.
Health Considerations of Drinking Softened Water
The health implications of drinking softened water primarily relate to its sodium content. During the softening process, each grain of hardness removed adds about 8mg of sodium per gallon. For very hard water, this can lead to significant sodium increases.
For context, the FDA considers water “low sodium” if it contains less than 140mg of sodium per liter. Many softened water supplies remain below this threshold, but those with extremely hard water may exceed it after softening.
People on sodium-restricted diets should be particularly cautious about drinking softened water without filtration. The American Heart Association recommends that adults consume no more than 2,300mg of sodium daily, with an ideal limit of 1,500mg for most adults.
| Water Hardness (grains per gallon) | Approximate Sodium Added (mg per gallon) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 40 |
| 10 | 80 |
| 15 | 120 |
| 20 | 160 |
Best Filtration Systems for Softened Water
When selecting a filtration system for softened water, consider your specific concerns and budget. Here are the most effective options:
For Sodium Reduction
If your primary concern is reducing sodium added during softening, reverse osmosis systems are the best choice. These systems remove up to 99% of total dissolved solids, including sodium. Distillation is also effective for sodium removal but typically has a lower daily production capacity.
For General Contaminant Removal
For comprehensive filtration beyond sodium concerns, multi-stage systems provide the best protection. These typically include a combination of carbon filtration and other specialized media to target specific contaminants.
| Filtration System | Removes Sodium | Removes Chemicals | Removes Heavy Metals | Removes Microorganisms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis | Yes (95-99%) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carbon Filtration | No | Yes | Limited | No |
| Distillation | Yes | Most | Yes | Yes |
| KDF/Zinc Media | No | Some | Yes | No |
Cost Comparison of Filtration Options
The cost of filtering softened water varies significantly based on the technology used and installation requirements. Below is a comparative overview of common filtration systems:
| Filtration System | Initial Cost Range | Annual Maintenance Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-sink Reverse Osmosis | $200-$600 | $50-$100 | 10-15 years |
| Countertop Carbon Filter | $30-$100 | $30-$60 | 5-10 years |
| Faucet-mounted Filter | $20-$50 | $30-$60 | 3-5 years |
| Water Distiller | $100-$300 | $30-$50 | 8-12 years |
| Water Pitcher Filter | $20-$40 | $40-$70 | 3-5 years |
Maintenance costs typically involve replacing filters, membranes, or other components. Reverse osmosis systems generally require filter changes every 6-12 months and membrane replacement every 2-5 years. Carbon filters usually need replacement every 2-6 months depending on water quality and usage.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for any water filtration system to function effectively and provide safe drinking water.
Installation Options
You have several options for installing a filtration system for your softened water:
- Point-of-use systems – These filter water at a single location, such as an under-sink RO system or countertop filter
- Point-of-entry systems – These filter all water entering your home and are installed after the water softener
- Bypass systems – Some installations bypass the softener for drinking water, providing a separate line of unsoftened but filtered water
For most households, a point-of-use system provides the most economical solution for drinking water filtration. These systems focus resources on treating only the water used for consumption rather than all household water.
Maintenance Requirements
Regular maintenance ensures your filtration system continues to operate efficiently and safely. Key maintenance tasks include:
- Replacing filters according to the manufacturer’s schedule
- Sanitizing the system (especially for RO) annually
- Checking for leaks and proper operation
- Monitoring water quality with periodic testing
Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced effectiveness, contamination growth, or system failure. Most manufacturers provide clear guidelines for maintenance schedules, making it relatively simple to keep your system in good working order.
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