You might not think much about the water that comes out of your tap. If it looks clean and runs clear, it seems fine. However, many homes in the UK and around the world have hard water, which contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate in your pipes, leave marks on your glasses, and even cause your skin to feel dry.
Should you also soften the water you drink? Let’s take a closer look.
Drinking water is part of your everyday life, and it should taste clean and fresh. That’s why more people are asking if they should use a water softener for drinking water.
What’s in Your Tap Water?
Tap water may go through treatment before it reaches your home, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. In many areas, hard water is a common issue. It may not harm your health, but it can alter the taste and texture of your water.
If your tea tastes odd, your kettle has white build-up, or your tap water has a strange aftertaste, hard water could be to blame.
Does Soft Water Taste Better?
Yes, it usually does. When you take out the minerals that make water “hard,” it often tastes smoother and fresher. You’ll notice the difference in drinks like tea, coffee, and squash. Cooking with soft water can also improve the flavour of food.
Soft water also helps keep your kitchen appliances in better condition. You won’t get as much limescale in your kettle, coffee machine, or fridge water dispenser.
Is It Safe to Drink Softened Water?
Many people worry about the salt used in softeners. Salt-based softeners swap hard minerals with a small amount of sodium. But the level of sodium added is very low—less than what you’d find in a slice of bread.
For most people, drinking softened water is entirely safe. If you’re watching your salt intake for health reasons, consider installing a separate water filter under your kitchen sink. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter works effectively, removing excess sodium and other small particles.
Should You Soften Your Drinking Water?
If you already use a whole-home softener, you may wonder if it’s worth softening your drinking water as well. It depends on your needs.
Do you want better-tasting water? Fewer limescale problems in your kettle? Cleaner tea and coffee? If yes, then softening your drinking water could be the right choice. For optimal results, use a water softener for your home and a filter for your drinking water tap.
Final Thoughts
Water softeners do more than protect your pipes and appliances—they enhance the taste and feel of your water. If you’re tired of complex water problems and want a simple way to enjoy better water at home, it may be time to consider a water softener for drinking water.