Negative Effects of a Water Softener
Little known facts about water softeners that you should know before using one. Although water softeners are commonly used to prevent scale buildup, there are some downsides to be aware of, especially when using one in your home.
1. Negative Health Effects
Water softeners, particularly those that use salt-based ion exchange, can have several health implications:
- Increased Sodium Intake: Softened water contains added sodium, which can be a concern for individuals on low-sodium diets or those with conditions like hypertension12. For every grain of hardness removed, approximately 8 mg of sodium is added per liter of water.
- Reduced Mineral Intake: Water softeners remove beneficial minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health and other bodily functions.
- Potential Gastrointestinal Issues: Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, when consuming softened water.
2. Environmental Impact
The environmental footprint of water softeners is significant:
- Salt Discharge: The brine discharge from water softeners contains high levels of sodium chloride, which can contaminate freshwater sources, harm aquatic life, and disrupt ecosystems45. Elevated salt concentrations can affect freshwater fish species and alter the natural habitat of aquatic plants.
- Water Usage: The regeneration process of water softeners uses a substantial amount of water, contributing to water wastage. A typical ion exchange softener can use up to 25 gallons of water per day, or about 10,000 gallons per year.
- Soil Contamination: Salt from water softeners can seep into the soil, affecting plant growth and potentially contaminating groundwater.
3. Cost of Using a Water Softener
The financial implications of installing and maintaining a water softener can be considerable:
- Installation Costs: The cost of installing a water softener system ranges from $500 to $6,000, depending on the type and complexity of the system. On average, homeowners spend around $1,500 for a standard system.
- Maintenance Costs: Monthly maintenance costs, including the purchase of salt, can range from $10 to $506. High-end systems may require more frequent maintenance and higher costs.
- Operational Costs: The ongoing cost of running a water softener includes the electricity used for the regeneration process and the cost of water used during regeneration.
4. Other Negative Impacts
In addition to health and environmental concerns, water softeners can have other drawbacks:
- Corrosion of Pipes: Softened water can corrode pipes, leading to the release of metals like lead and copper into the water supply.
- Off-Taste and Slippery Feel: Some users report that softened water has an off-taste and a slippery feel, which can be unpleasant.
- Regular Maintenance: Water softeners require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly, which can be time-consuming and costly.
5. Alternatives to a Water Softener
HydroFLOW: HydroFLOW utilizes an especially effective means of conditioning water that doesn’t require the use of any chemicals or salt. These units have a special transducer that is connected to a ring of ferrites that induce a unique, 150kHz, electrical signal into the plumbing system. This Hydropath signal travels throughout the plumbing system, both up and downstream from the installation point. HydroFLOW will work with all types of plumbing, conductive and non-conductive, as the water flowing through the pipes acts as a conductor to carry the signal. The harder the water is, the more electrically conductive it is as well, helping the signal travel further in extremely hard water areas.
As a result of this electrical current, ions (both positively and negatively charged) form crystals that are suspended in the water, rather than plating out as limescale. Scale and biofilm won’t build-up, and the signal slowly dissolves existing scale build-up over time.
Hydropath Technology, which powers the HydroFLOW devices, is effective and efficient compared to other water conditioning options on the market. With a HydroFLOW water conditioner, you’re left with pipes, fixtures, and appliances that are clean rather than fouled with accumulated scale. This allows them to work more efficiently, extending their lifespan, all while leaving the beneficial minerals in the water instead of exchanging them for salt.
While water softeners have some benefits they come with several negative impacts. These include potential health risks, significant environmental concerns, high costs, and other drawbacks. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully before deciding to install a water softener in your home.