GENERAL INFORMATION
Sodium is widely distributed in soils, plants, water and foods. It is essential to human life. Many people use the word ÒsaltÓ when they intend to refer to sodium or to sodium chloride. When a salt such as sodium chloride dissolves in water it breaks up into positively- and negatively-charged ions. Sodium chloride breaks up into sodium and chloride ions in water. Every water supply contains some sodium and chloride. A major source of sodium in the natural waters is due to the weathering of rocks and soils.
The concentrations of sodium in groundwater are dependent on the local geological conditions and wastewater contamination. Mineral deposits, sewage effluents, road salt storage and salt used in road de-icing can all contribute significant quantities of sodium to water. Domestic water softeners contribute to sodium in the drinking water by replacing the calcium and magnesium that make the water hard. These levels, though, are insignificant compared to the sodium ingested in the normal human diet.
HEALTH EFFECTS
The vast majority of sodium ingestion is from food rather than drinking water. Sodium levels in drinking water from most water systems are unlikely to be a significant contribution to adverse health effects. A diet high in sodium intake has been identified as a risk factor for high blood pressure.
ACTION IS OPTIONAL
There are no federally-enforced health-based standards. If you have concerns about the levels detected, please consult your physician. Action is RECOMMENDED if total dissolved solids is also high.
WATER RESOURCES
- Ohio Department of Health - Water Quality - Inorganic Chemical Contaminants - Sodium
- USEPA - Drinking Water Advisory: Consumer Acceptability Acvice and Health Effects Analysis on Sodium
- Ohio EPA - Ground Water Quality Characterization Program
- Water Systems Council - wellcare information for you about Sodium & Groundwater