(Inorganic)
The aesthetic objective for sodium in drinking water is 200 mg/L at which it can be detected by a salty taste. Sodium is not toxic. Consumption of sodium in excess of 10 grams per day by normal adults does not result in any apparent adverse health effects. In addition, the average intake of sodium from water is only a small fraction of that consumed in a normal diet. A maximum acceptable concentration for sodium in drinking water has, therefore, not been specified. Persons suffering from hypertension or congestive heart disease may require a sodium-restricted diet, in which case, the intake of sodium from drinking water could become significant. It is therefore recommended that the measurement of sodium levels be included in routine monitoring programs of water supplies. The local Medical Officer of Health should be notified when the sodium concentration exceeds 20 mg/L, so that this information may be passed on to local physicians.