When considering having a water softener installed, it is always beneficial to have a drinking water tap which supplies unsoftened water. This is particularly important for water that is used to make babies formula milk because the water softening process removes the calcium and magnesium minerals and replaces them with sodium. Powdered milk already contains the correct amount of sodium for small babies as they usually have a restricted tolerance of sodium. Anyone on a sodium restricted diet should consult their doctor prior to having a water softener installed. The British Water Code of Practice requires, where possible, that a drinking water tap be connected to the mains supply before the water reaches the water softener.

Another significant benefit of softened water comes from people with dry skin conditions such as eczema. Many sufferers notice improvements although due to the complexity of conditions like eczema, it is not fully understood why softened water helps. Studies have suggested that as softened water eliminates scummy soap curd, this results in a cleaner lather which is kinder to skin and therefore reduces dryness and itching. The amount of soaps and detergents used for washing skin and clothes is reduced, and as pure soaps can be used with softened water in preference to detergents, this in turn leads to the kinder treatment of skin.