Question of the Week: Is Softened Water Safe for Your Plants?

Q: I have installed a water softener in my house. I water my plants with water that runs through the water softener. Will this hurt my plants?

A: Gardens typically cover large areas and need substantial water for hydration. Using softened water can be harmful, and in some cases, it might even kill your plants.

Long-term use of softened water in your garden is best avoided. The salts in softened water can accumulate over time, becoming toxic to plants and breaking down the soil structure. Clay soils are especially vulnerable to the sodium in soft water.

Indoor plants are particularly at risk. To protect them, consider installing a separate line to the outside tap with the help of a plumber. This allows you to water your plants, trees, and landscape with untreated water while still enjoying the benefits of softened water inside your home.

Additionally, some water softeners use a chelation process instead of salt. The best advice is to research thoroughly before installing a water softener to understand its impact on your garden.