No, water filter pitchers are not designed to filter out salt. Water filter pitchers typically use activated carbon filters to reduce contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and other dissolved solids, but they are not effective in removing salts. Some water filter pitchers also claim to reduce levels of salt, and heavy metals, such as lead or copper and reduce the amount of fluoride in tap water.
Why Water Filter Pitchers Are Not Good Enough To Filter Out Salt?
Salt is an ionic compound made up of positively and negatively charged ions. These ions can pass through the carbon filters used in most pitcher-style water filters, meaning that salt will remain in the water after it passes through the filter. This means that water filter pitchers cannot be used to lower the amount of salt in drinking water.
How Do Water Filter Pitchers Work?
Water filter pitchers work by passing water through a filter with tiny pores that catch unwanted particles like dirt, metals, and other contaminants. Depending on the type of filter used, they can reduce levels of chlorine, lead, cysts, and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Is Salt In Drinking Water Harmful?
Yes. High levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Salt also increases the risk of kidney problems as well as affecting the balance of electrolytes in your body. It may even cause other health issues, such as headaches and fatigue. High concentrations of salt can also cause digestive issues, such as bloating and gas.
How Does Sodium Get In Water?
Sodium can enter your water supply through natural sources such as runoff from rock formations that contain minerals, or it can be added by municipal water treatment centers. In some areas, sodium is also added to the water supply to adjust the pH balance and help treat diseases like cholera.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends no more than 200 milligrams of sodium per liter of drinking water. If you’re concerned about the level of salt in your drinking water, it’s best to contact your local health department or water supplier for more information.
How Do You Know If Your Water Is High In Sodium?
One way to tell is by tasting it—salty water has a noticeable flavor. You can also use at-home testing kits and have a professional test done to measure the sodium content of your water.
Other Options For Getting Rid Of The Salt In Your Water
- A softener filter removes mineral ions, such as calcium and magnesium, that are responsible for making hard water. It also removes sodium from the water, making it softer and more palatable.
A softener filter - Invest in a reverse-osmosis filtration system. Reverse osmosis systems are very effective at filtering out salt, minerals, and other impurities from your water. They use a membrane to separate salt from the rest of the water and provide clean drinking water with very low levels of salinity.
Reverse-osmosis filtration system - Consider an ion exchange filter. Ion exchange filters are designed to reduce the amount of sodium in the water by exchanging it with other positively charged ions.
Ion exchange filter - Use a distiller to remove salt and other impurities from your water. A distiller works by boiling the water, allowing the steam to condense, and collecting the purified liquid in a separate container.
Use a distiller to remove salt
How Can You Avoid Salt-Softened Water?
- Check the label before purchasing a filter pitcher. If it is not specifically designed to remove salt or any other minerals, it likely won’t do anything to reduce the concentration of sodium in your water.
- Consider installing a reverse osmosis filtration system under your sink if you have hard water. This type of filtration system filters out virtually all impurities, including salt.
- If you live in an area with especially salty groundwater, consider using a desalination system. This type of system is used to remove salt from seawater and can also be used to reduce the sodium content in your tap water.
What Do Water Filters Filter Out?
- Chlorine, lead, and other heavy metals
- Microscopic particles such as parasites, bacteria, and cysts
- Organic chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides
- Unpleasant taste and odors from chlorine or sulfur
FAQs
How Much Sodium Do You Need?
The amount of sodium you should consume in your diet is based on individual needs. According to the American Heart Association, adults typically need no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. For those with high blood pressure or other health conditions, 1,500 milligrams may be recommended.
What Is Best To Remove Salt From Drinking Water?
The best way to remove salt from drinking water is through the process of Reverse Osmosis (RO). RO is a process that forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes up to 99% of all dissolved salts.
The initial cost of an RO system can be significant; however, it can provide greater peace of mind since salt is not only present in seawater but can also be found in some underground aquifers used to supply drinking water.
Do Water Filter Pitchers Work For Hard Water?
The answer is not a straightforward yes or no. It depends on the particular pitcher and its filter.
Is Salt Needed To Soften Water?
Yes, salt is needed to soften water. Water can soften by a process called ion exchange which involves passing the hard water through an ion exchange resin. The resin exchanges magnesium and calcium ions for sodium ions.
Conclusion
Water filter pitchers and jugs are great for filtering out general impurities from the water, they cannot effectively remove the salt. If you need to remove salt from your water, you may want to consider a specialized desalination system or it’s best to contact your local health department or water supplier for more information. They can help you find the most effective and cost-efficient solution for your individual needs.
Meet Jeffrey B Roberts, your dedicated guide into the realm of water science and technology. As a hydro biologist with an insatiable curiosity, Jeffrey’s journey has been one of unraveling the mysteries of water systems and advocating for clean, safe water for all.
With an academic background steeped in the sciences, Jeffrey’s passion lies at the crossroads of science, technology, and nature. A deep fascination with plants and genetics has not only enriched their understanding of aquatic ecosystems but has also propelled them into the world of water softening solutions.
Believing that clean water is a basic human right, Jeffrey’s writing transcends the technicalities, making the intricate world of water softening accessible to all. Through their blog, they ardently share insights, tips, and breakthroughs, empowering readers to make informed decisions about their water quality.
Beyond his role as a prolific writer, Jeffrey is a respected figure in the hydronics industry education. With years of hands-on experience, they serve as an adjunct professor, nurturing the next generation of experts at the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. His involvement on the Technical Advisory Board further cements their dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in water technology.