Should I consider getting a water softener?

Personal Preference

Installation of a private water softener is a matter of personal preference. Because residential softening systems replace the calcium and magnesium with sodium, consumers will experience increased salt intake.  You are encouraged to research any water softener product, particularly customers with sodium-restricted diets. Water softened by private softening systems tends to be more corrosive to household plumbing than hard water, and it is not recommended for watering plants, lawns and gardens due to higher sodium content.

Sources

This information was developed with input from the following sources:

  • American Water Works Association, Public Notice Article, May 2007.
  • City of Ferndale, WA Hard Water Fact Sheet
  • National Research Council, Drinking Water and Health, Volume 3, National Academy Press, Washington, D.C., 1980.
  • Washington State Department of Health Division of Environmental Health Office of Drinking Water Sentry website, August 2013
  • Wilson, Amber; Parrott, Kathleen; Ross, Blake. “Household Water Quality - Water Hardness”. 2009.

Show All Answers

1. Why does my tap water appear to be discolored?
2. Why didn't we rebuild the Fisher's Lane water treatment plant?
3. Why didn't we stay with the Cowlitz River?
4. How long will the groundwater supply last?
5. Will the groundwater stain my laundry and household fixtures?
6. Why not move the water supply intake to a better location on the Cowlitz River or Columbia River?
7. What is in the groundwater?
8. Until how long is the groundwater supply expected to last?
9. How do I know the groundwater won’t become contaminated?
10. Where does the groundwater come from?
11. Has there been a change in the pH levels after switching to the new water source?
12. What if the water smells funny?
13. Should I consider getting a water softener?
14. What can I do about hard water?
15. How does hard water impact my life?
16. What is the City doing to reduce hardness?
17. What is the hardness of the City's new groundwater source?
18. Where do hard water minerals come from?
19. Is hard water safe?
20. What is water hardness?