This is a common misconception; a water softener basically changes the dissolved hardness or chalk in the water (aka Calcium Bicarbonate) to Sodium Bicarbonate (or Bicarbonate of Soda). As such the sodium level goes up slightly, rather than the overall salt content of the water.

To put this in context, the water certainly doesn’t taste salty and in most hard water areas a litre of soft water will contain less sodium than a slice of medium sliced white bread. Soft water in most areas will contain between 100 and 185mg of sodium per litre of water with sliced white bread having 200mg per slice!

Only in areas where the local hardness exceeds around 480mg/lt will the resultant sodium levels in the soft water be in excess of 200mg/lt. These levels would typically only be found in parts of Norfolk or Lincolnshire, although your local water softener company will be able to help advise on this and check your hardness level.

Any questions please feel free to email; paul@totalsoftwater.com