Treated

Softened water

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Water passed through a home softener to remove hardness minerals.

Where it comes from

Hard tap water treated by an ion-exchange softener that swaps calcium and magnesium for sodium.

What it contains

  • Very low calcium and magnesium
  • Raised sodium content
  • No limescale

Benefits

  • Prevents limescale and lathers well
  • Kinder to appliances and skin for some

Cautions

  • Added sodium means many people keep an unsoftened tap for drinking and cooking
  • Not recommended for infant formula

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Drinking-water
  2. UK Drinking Water Inspectorate

Related entries

Alkaline waterFiltered waterArtesian waterDeionised waterDistilled waterGlacier / iceberg water
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