Hi Gary,
Per our water test report, our softened water contains 160 mg/l of sodium. On the advice of a cardiologist, I've been advised not to consume softened water. And yes, I have been carefully reading food labels for many years. An 8oz glass of organic skim milk has 130mg of sodium. V8 juice is one of the highest sodium beverages available. In fact, there is a "low-sodium" version that has 140mg in an 8 oz glass.
The big problem with sodium is that it is in nearly everything. So unless one is aware, its very easy to consume too much. A little bit from each of many sources obviously adds up. This is why hypertension is so prevalent today. Agreed, snack food as well as fast food are the worst offenders. The big difference between snack food or fast food and water, is that water is essential to life. Snack food & fast food, for example, are optional.
Per the EPA:
"EPA recommends reducing sodium concentrations in drinking water to between 30 and 60 mg/L based on esthetic effects (i.e., taste). This recommendation is not federally enforceable but is intended as a guideline for States. States may establish higher or lower levels depending on local conditions, such as unavailability of alternate source waters or other compelling factors, provided that public health and welfare are not adversely affected. A goal of 2.4 g/day dietary sodium has been proposed by several government and health agencies. Drinking water containing between 30 and 60 mg/L is unlikely to be perceived as salty by most individuals and would contribute only 2.5% to 5% of the dietary goal if tap water consumption is 2 L/day. At the present time the EPA guidance level for sodium in drinking water is 20 mg/L. This value was developed for those individuals restricted to a total sodium intake of 500 mg/day and should not be extrapolated to the entire population (Drinking Water Advisory: Consumer Acceptability Advice and Health Effects Analysis on Sodium, 822-R-03-006)."
So, what is the best way to reduce the sodium in our softened well water? Or, is there some method of filtration that would allow us to make truly enjoyable hot tea from our unsoftened well water (hardness = 309, iron = 0.32, TDS = 438)? I'm tired of hauling bottled water.