What exactly is "softened water"? What do we gain from it? What is added to it? It sure tastes different.

Answer 1

Water that is 'softened' is usually water that has been through an ion-exchange water softener. Group II and higher elements are exchanged for Group I elements. Group II are primarily Calcium and Magnesium ions. The Group I element is often Sodium.

As a person you don't gain anything from softened water. As a matter of fact hard water usually tastes better and is better for you. The primary reason to soften water are to extend the lifetime of appliances. The calcium and magnesium ions are barely soluble in water and tend to come out of solution when the water is heated (because the ions are in equilibrium with carbonate which is essentially dissolved carbon dioxide, heating the water up drives out the carbon dioxide and then the ions come out of solution). Hard water limits the lifetime of the hot water heater, washer, dishwasher, coffee pot, etc. Anything that heats up water. When the calcium and magnesium come out of solution then tend to deposit on the hot surface forming a crust on it. This makes the heat transfer inefficient and the device breaks down much faster than if this crust didn't form. It will also tend to deposit in your pipes, meaning the lifetime of the homes plumbing is also shorter (but still pretty long). It also limits sudsing, meaning hard water requires more soap and more detergents to be effective.

Sodium is added and calcium and magnesium is removed. Yes it tastes different.

Answer 2

Softened water is water that has been run through a softener where the has been an ion exchange. the hard minerals are precipitated out and sodium replaces them. If this water is consumed it significantly raises the sodium intake. Many machines that use water, especially where the water is heated ,need soft water so as not to clog up.(irons, boilers, etc) Hard water also makes spots on dishes, bathtub ring , etc due to the insoluble materials formed with soap and the minerals.

Answer 3

Nothing is added to it. Calcium salts are removed from it. It causes less damage to the plumbing and uses less soap or detergent when washing. It also tastes better.