Can You Use Softened Water on Your Plants? What Arizona Homeowners Need to Know
- Admin
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
If you have recently added a water softener to your home in Arizona, nice choice! Hopefully you’re already loving the difference the system makes: no more chalky white buildup on your faucets, softer laundry, and showers that leave your skin truly clean and smooth.
But if you’ve got some plants around the house, or if you’re thinking about trying a little gardening, you might be wondering:
Can I use softened water on my plants? Is that okay?
Great question. Let’s break it down.
So, What Is Softened Water, Anyway?
When you have hard water (which you probably do if you’re in Arizona), it’s loaded with minerals like calcium and magnesium. These are the cause of that stubborn buildup and can be tough on plumbing and appliances.
Water softeners fix that by swapping those minerals out and replacing them with sodium. As a result, your water will have a very low level of sodium. It’s a smart move for your home… but when it comes to your plants, that sodium might be a bit of a problem.
Why Softened Water Isn’t Ideal for Plants
That extra sodium can slowly build up in your soil over time. And just like too much salt in our diets isn’t good for us, too much salt in the soil can:
Make it harder for your plants to absorb water
Damage roots and stunt plant growth
Turn leaves yellow or brown
Eventually kill your plants altogether
Arizona soil is already on the tough side, and with water being so limited, it's even more important to give your plants the best chance to thrive.
So, Is Softened Water Ever Okay?
If you’re just using a little softened water on houseplants now and then, you’re probably fine. Although, there are better options—like filtered water—that can be gentler on your plants, especially in Arizona's tough conditions like these. But for outdoor gardens, lawns, or anything you’re trying to grow in Arizona’s sun and soil, it’s best to avoid it.
Especially if you’re growing fruits and veggies—no one wants salty tomatoes.
Here’s What We Recommend Instead:
Ask for a Bypass for Outdoor Faucets
When you install your softener, you can have your outdoor hose bibs left untreated, so your plants get regular water—not softened. It’s a super simple fix that we recommend in some of our installations.
Collect Rainwater
Rainwater is naturally soft and gentle on plants. Set out a barrel or two during monsoon season and store it up!
Use Reverse Osmosis with Remineralization
RO systems clean out contaminants and sodium. If you get one with remineralization, like our 7-stage Pro Series RO system, you get purified water that’s still rich in good minerals—and perfect for plants and people alike.
Keep Your Garden Happy (and Your Home, Too)
Softened water is amazing for your home, but it’s not the best choice for your garden. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy both!
Curious what’s actually in your water? We offer free water testing for homeowners in Arizona, so you can get clear answers from friendly, local experts here to help you protect what matters.
