Softened Water & Health
Sodium
Research into the relationship between high sodium intake and an increased risk of heart problems is far from complete and the debate within the medical profession continues. In fact, the latest papers on the subject suggest that reducing salt intake may actually be dangerous as the mortality rate from coronary disease amongst those who also follow a reduced-salt diet appears to be four times higher than those who use drug treatment alone.
Sodium is contained in much of our everyday diet such as milk, bread, bacon and baked beans, with up to 85% of daily average consumption coming from processed foods. A very low level of sodium is introduced into the water supply by the process of ’softening’. The sodium level in a glass of softened water is only a fifth of that in a glass of semi-skimmed milk and a can of soup contains 20 times more sodium than softened water.
Ion-exchange softeners are installed to treat the general domestic water supply. To treat drinking water, you need a water filter. Some people actually prefer the taste of softened water and there is always a choice of whether or not to drink it as the Water Byelaws require a separate drinking water tap to be fitted at all ion-exchange water softener installations, principally to enable the water company to sample the unsoftened supply as part of their routine testing.
**A note of caution**.
There are two specific areas, however, where the use of softened water is inadvisable
1. for anyone on a medically-prescribed low-sodium diet and
2. in the preparation of powdered milk for feeds to infants, as softened water could affect its fine nutritional balance.
Eczema and skin problems
Over the years, many eczema sufferers have reported that a move to softened water has substantially reduced inflammation. Softened water is also known to have a calming, soothing effect on other skin problems including psoriasis but such benefits have not been formally established although recent research by a leading UK dermatologist identified a strong link between hard water and childhood eczema.
Eczema sufferers must shop wisely
Following publication in the Lancet today of evidence of a strong link between hard water and childhood eczema, revealed by research conducted by Prof Hywel Williams, one of the country’s leading dermatologists, BRITISH WATER Quality Water Group (QWG’s) Deputy Chairman (Technical) warns parents to tread very carefully if they are now considering treating their hard water. The report names calcium and magnesium as the potential chemical irritants in hard water and also refers to the possibility that the higher amounts of soaps and detergents necessary to make hard water lather could well be adding to the problem. There are two basic methods of treating hard water in the home; an ion-exchange water softener or a physical conditioner BUT the only device that will remove the calcium and magnesium from the water supply is an ion exchange water softener. Physical conditioners, which are widely advertised in the UK press for hard water treatment, are scale reducers only, and do not affect calcium and magnesium levels. Also, because ion-exchange softeners remove the calcium and magnesium that prevent lathering, they will also reduce the amount of soap, detergent, shampoos and cleaning materials required by approximately 50%. It is very easy for the public to be mislead, so it is absolutely vital for any parent of a childhood eczema sufferer who, as a result of this latest research, is considering softening their water, to deal with a reputable supplier who will provide them with detailed information and advice on the various products available.
