Sodium in Water

Presents of sodium in drinking water is very common and all water supplies contain some sodium. Sodium levels in drinking water are dependent on local soil conditions. The higher the sodium level of water, the more corrosive the water becomes. A major Source of sodium in natural waters is from the weathering of feldspars, evaporates and clay. The American Heart Association has recommended a maximum sodium level of 20 mg/l in drinking water for patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Intake from food is generally the major Source of sodium, ranging from 1100 to 3300 mg/day. Persons requiring restrictions on salt intake, usually have a sodium limitation down to 500 mg/day. The amount of sodium in softened water is insignificant compared to the sodium ingested in the normal human diet. A common question is how much sodium in softened water? The amount of sodium contained in a quart of softened water, 18 grain per gallon water is equivalent to a normal slice of white bread. Sodium in the body regulates the osmotic pressure of the blood plasma to assure the proper blood volume. Sodium chloride is essential in the formation of the stomach acids necessary for the digestive processes. The US EPA sponsored a symposium which concluded that there is no relationship between soft water and cardiovascular disease. There is also no MCL published for sodium levels in water; however the US EPA suggests a level of 20 mg/l in drinking water for that portion of the population on severe sodium restricted diets of 500 mg/day or less.
 
Sodium Water Treatment There are several effective solutions to filter sodium from water. Since the levels of sodium in drinking water can vary, one of the first steps in sodium water treatment is to determine the levels of sodium in your water. You can use a TDS Meter to test the levels of sodium and other dissolved solids. Sodium can be removed from drinking water with the hydrogen form cation exchanger portion of a deionizer. Also a very effective method to filter sodium from water is to use a Reverse Osmosis System. RO Systems will reduce sodium by 94 - 98%. Lastly, water distiller systems will also remove sodium from water.