Hard Water's Effect on Pets and Plants

Hard water isn't known to be harmful to most pets, but whether its minerals contribute to urinary crystals and bladder stones is still debated, so if your dog or cat has had urinary problems, ask your vet about their drinking water. For plants, the bigger concern is actually softened water: water from a salt-based softener carries extra sodium, which can build up in soil. That's why softeners are usually plumbed so outdoor hose bibs stay on unsoftened water.

Is hard water bad for pets?

Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium. Some pet owners worry those minerals can contribute to crystals or stones in the bladder in dogs, or to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) in cats. The research on a direct link isn't settled, and diet plays a big role, so the best move is to ask your vet, especially if your pet is a breed prone to urinary issues.

Hard water also leaves soap residue behind at bath time, which can leave a dog's coat and skin feeling dry.

Is softened water safe for pets to drink?

A salt-based softener swaps hardness minerals for sodium, and the amount it adds goes up the harder your water was to begin with. If your pet is on a low-sodium diet, ask your vet whether softened water is okay. A reverse osmosis drinking-water system removes most of that sodium; see the 3 main ways to get soft, clean water.

Is soft water good for plants?

Usually not. Water from a salt-based softener carries extra sodium, and sodium can build up in soil over time and make it harder for plants to take up water. For houseplants watered from an indoor tap, use unsoftened, filtered, or rain water when you can. Some homeowners use potassium chloride in their softener instead of salt, which doesn't add sodium.

Is hard water bad for plants?

Hard water is generally fine for lawns and gardens, though very hard water can slowly raise soil pH, which acid-loving plants don't like. In pots, the minerals can leave a white crust on the soil and the rim of the pot. Watering thoroughly, so water runs out of the drainage holes, helps flush that buildup out.

How hard is your water?

Most water in the Highland Lakes is hard, and private wells tend to be harder than city water. You can look up your area on our water hardness by town page. If you're weighing a softener, our water softener team can test your water and talk through your options.