How can the sodium content of a softened water be determined in terms of milligrams of sodium?
1. First, determine the sodium content of the natural water. Multiply the water’s sodium content in grains per gallon expressed as calcium carbonate, by 7.86. This will give you the sodium content of the water in milligrams per liter of water. 2. Next, determine the additional sodium content of water as the result of ion exchange softening. Here, multiply the total hardness of the water in grains per gallon, expressed as calcium carbonate, by 7.86. 3. A simple addition of the results of both steps No.1 and 2 will give the sodium content of the softened water in milligrams of sodium per liter. One to two liters (1 liter equals 1.057 quarts) is commonly accepted as normal daily water consumption. Actually, the amount of sodium present in softened water is small when compared to the sodium present in foods. Softening water with even 75 grains per gallon of total hardness adds less sodium than contained in “Low Sodium” beverages (as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
