A Hard Look at Water Softener Safety Story

Water softener safety is becoming a nationwide concern. Installations of new water softening systems have been banned in an increasing number of states and municipalities. Specifically, ion exchange water softeners.

What are the safety concerns with water softeners? Basically, the problem with hard water is that it contains an overabundance of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium.

Are water softeners bad for the environment? When it comes to water softener safety, unfortunately, salt-based water softening systems contribute to two environmental problems:

Salt buildup in aquatic environments – Water softeners release chloride salts (such as sodium chloride) into the environment.

Overuse of water supplies – The system uses water to flush itself out regularly in a process called regeneration.

To combat this problem, the EPA has enacted water quality standards that limit the amount of chloride that water treatment plants are allowed to release into the environment. Many communities are now finding that their facilities are unable to handle the volume of salts coming in – hence the water softener bans.

As a conscious parent, should you be concerned about water softener safety? And, are there any health risks associated with conventionally softened water?

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