Water Softners

[Michael Layman <layman@utahlinx.com>]

Hello,

We have received a call from one of our customers that is an 
interiorscaper and has a client (a Hospital in Idaho) which he 
has learned has had all of their water treated by a water softner 
system.  This includes all indoor sources and outdoor sources of 
water. He would like to know how this will impact the plant materials
inside and outside.  

We advised him to have a water analysis done, and that the sodium 
added by a water softner will not be benificial to any plants.  

Can anyone provide some insight as to what problems may be encountered?
What happens with softening water that causes problems for plant life?

Where can we learn more about the chemical interactions of water, sodium
and other minerals?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Michael Layman
Clinton Nursery, Inc.
Clinton Utah