Drinking Water Copyright 1993 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved Barbara Liukkonen, Water Resources Education Coordinator, author and contact Craig Hassel, Extension Specialist, Food and Nutrition, contact Sodium is a naturally occurring component of water. The concentration of sodium in water supplies may vary from a few to several hundred milligrams per quart. Generally the sodium found naturally in our water supplies less than 10 percent of an individual's recommended daily intake. Because water in Minnesota may be hard, many people use water softeners.
Water softeners function by adding sodium to the household water supply.
For comparison, one 8-ounce glass of low fat milk contains about 120 mg of sodium. Softening water that is slightly to moderately hard would add only 7.5 to 50 mg of sodium per quart. If you use a water softener, you can find out from your supplier how much sodium is added to your water supply during treatment. Although dietary sodium is necessary for good health, Americans usually consume far more than is needed. Scientific evidence indicates a relationship between a high sodium intake and the occurrence of high blood pressure and stroke.