CQWA POSITION PAPER ON
SOFT WATER AND HEALTH

CWQA POSITION:

In recent years, a number of studies have been conducted to determine whether or not a relationship exists between water hardness and cardiovascular disease but these studies have not produced consistent results. Thus, available data does not support a conclusion that the removal of water hardness by ion exchange has any established effect of health. However, should the consumer prefer, a hard water line can be provided to a kitchen or bathroom tap for drinking purposes without the need to forego the benefits of softened water in the home.

SUMMARY:

Over a period of years, a number of papers have reported statistical correlations between naturally soft water and cardiovascular disease. However, these papers generally failed to differentiate between naturally soft water and the softened water produced in the home by ion exchange. These studies further failed to find consistent correlations with specific dissolved minerals including those which cause water hardness. Some studies appeared to suggest certain correlations, others appeared to suggest opposite correlations and some found no correlations at all.

If a correlationship does exist between hard, naturally soft or softened water and cardiovascular disease, reasonable consistency should be found in the various studies. The lack of such consistency has led to confusion and controversy and no proposed relationship has gained wide acceptance to date. Certainly no cause and effect relationship have been established.

REFERENCES:

* CWQA Special Bulletin "Industry Statement on Soft
      Water/Health."
* CWQA Pamphlet "Soft Water and Your Health".