Selecting this specially formulated salt may be desirable when the water supply is high in iron. If softened water is used for cooking and drinking, the added sodium could be troublesome for individuals on sodium-restricted diets due to health problems such as hypertension. While research indicates there is no proven cause and effect relationship between drinking softened water and hypertension, individuals following a sodium-restricted diet should discuss this matter with a physician. When you don't wish to use softened water for drinking and cooking, the simplest solution is to bypass the water softener with the cold water line to the kitchen. This provides hard water for drinking and cooking purposes.
Many people prefer the taste of hard water to water that has been softened.
Water softeners have not been shown to have adverse effects on home waste water treatment systems. A University of Wisconsin-Madison study found that even when twice the average use rate of salt was discharged into the septic system, there was no difference in performance. Consumer Guidelines for Purchasing a Water Softener Use proven technology. Buy a recognized brand from a dealer you know and trust. Ask how long the company has been in business.