Do you have questions about water softeners and what they really do to your water? You’re not alone. Many homeowners have concerns about soft water, from its safety to how it feels on your skin. At Carroll Water, we’ve heard it all, and today we’re addressing misconceptions about water softeners and soft water.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions about water softening and the myths that surround it. If you’re asking things like, “Can you drink water softener water?” and “Why does soft water feel slimy?” then continue reading!
Concern #1: Can You Drink Softened Water?
One of the most frequent questions we get is, “Can you drink water from a water softener?” The simple answer is yes. Water that has been treated by a softener is not unsafe to drink, unless contaminants are present, such as bacteria or PFAS. Softeners address excess minerals but don’t eliminate other pollutants.
Water softener systems work by removing hard minerals from water, usually calcium and magnesium, through an ion exchange process. These minerals are replaced with sodium ions, which leads to another common question…
Concern #2: Does a Water Softener Make Water Salty?
Many people worry that soft water will taste salty, but this shouldn’t be the case. While softeners do add a small amount of sodium to your water, it’s much less than you might think. For perspective, an 8-ounce glass of softened water contains less sodium than a slice of bread.
Unless your water is extremely hard to begin with (requiring more sodium during the regeneration process), most people can’t taste any difference in softened water. Water has to be very hard to start for there to be any noticeable taste difference due to softener salt.
This is rarely the case, but it does depend on your water source. One of our water specialists at Carroll Water can perform testing to determine the hardness level and describe what to expect.
If you’re on a sodium-restricted diet, there are ways around it:
- Potassium chloride can be used instead of sodium in many softeners
- You can install a separate tap with unsoftened water for drinking
- A reverse osmosis (RO) drinking water system can remove the small amount of sodium
For most people, drinking softened water is perfectly fine and may even taste better than hard water. The important thing to know is that softeners aren’t designed to purify water and only treat hardness.
Concern #3: Are Water Softeners Bad for Your Health?
Despite some misconceptions, water softeners are not harmful to your health. The small amount of sodium added during the softening process is generally not a concern for most people. If you have health conditions that require monitoring your sodium intake, consult with your doctor. However, there are always sodium-free alternatives available.
Concern #4: Why Does Soft Water Feel Slippery?
Perhaps the most noticeable difference when switching to soft water is how it feels on your skin. Many people describe soft water as feeling “slippery” or even “slimy” when washing their hands or showering.
This soft water slippery feeling is actually a sign that your water softener is working properly! When you wash with hard water, soap combines with calcium and magnesium to create a sticky residue (soap scum) that stays on your skin. This makes it difficult to rinse off soap, leaving your skin feeling tight and dry.
Minerals in water can also strip the natural oils from your skin. This can result in dry, sometimes itchy skin and flaking.
With soft water, soap rinses away completely, leaving nothing but your skin’s natural oils. That slippery sensation isn’t a coating or residue— it’s simply the feeling of clean, soap-free skin that hasn’t been stripped. Many people prefer this feeling once they get used to using softened water.
Concern #5: What Does Soft Water Do to Your Hair?
Soft water can make a big, positive impact on your hair. Here’s what you might notice:
- Hair feels cleaner with less shampoo
- Reduced product buildup and residue that weighs hair down
- Hair may feel softer and look shinier
- Color treatments last longer
- Less dryness and frizz
If you’ve recently switched to soft water, you might need to use less shampoo and conditioner than before. Hard water makes it difficult to create a lather and causes dryness. Therefore, using the same amount of product with soft water can leave your hair feeling heavy.
Concern #6: Are Softeners Bad for Septic Tanks?
You may have heard that water softeners can disrupt the bacterial balance in septic systems, causing drainage issues. This is largely a myth. Studies by the Water Quality Association have found that water softener discharge does not harm septic systems.
If you have a septic system, make sure your water softener is properly sized for your household and set to regenerate based on actual water usage. This ensures minimal water discharge while maintaining efficient softening.
Concern #7: If You Use City Water, You Shouldn’t Need a Softener
Many homeowners believe that municipal water treatment eliminates the need for a water softener. This is a common misconception. While public water is treated to meet safety standards, it still contains minerals that cause hardness. In fact, many municipalities in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania have moderately hard to very hard water.
The Truth About Water Softeners
Water softeners are designed to solve specific problems caused by hard water. They help prevent scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduce soap usage, and eliminate spots on dishes and fixtures.
At Carroll Water, we’ve helped homeowners across Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania solve their hard water problems. If you have questions about whether a water softener is right for you, we’re here to help.
Our experts can test your water and recommend the perfect solution for your specific needs. Contact us today for a free water analysis and discover the benefits of properly treated water!