In such cases, drinking softened water is actually worse than drinking the incoming hard water.
The starting point is to identify the volume of softened water that you require now and in the immediate future.
Another important point to consider is whether or not a continuous supply of softened water is essential at tll times.
If that is unavailable, softened water may be substituted.
Do not drink softened water (it contains added sodium).
This gives continuous rapid clarification of the softened water.
So, the softened water does deserve at least some of the blame, but a cold spring and the shortage of summer sunshine could be contributing factors.
Similarly, where lead plumbing is in use, softened water does not substantially increase plumbo-solvency.
Salty or softened water can also cause this.
I think the softened water is loaded with sodium compounds due to the exchange process of the softener.