Copper in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

Copper is an inorganic contaminant that can be found in drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for copper at 1.3 mg/L. Monitoring for this substance is important to ensure water quality is maintained within safe limits.

Health Effects

Consuming water with elevated copper levels can lead to adverse health effects. Short-term exposure is associated with gastrointestinal distress. Over the long term, high levels of copper intake can potentially cause liver or kidney damage.

How Copper Gets Into Tap Water

Copper typically enters drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials and copper pipes. Mining activities can also release copper into environmental water sources. These pathways represent the primary ways copper contaminates drinking supplies.

How to Remove Copper From Your Water

Effective methods for addressing copper contamination include corrosion control, water softening, and reverse osmosis. Corrosion control is often used by water systems to prevent leaching from pipes, while home water softening and reverse osmosis can remove the contaminant directly.

Should You Test Your Water?

To verify copper levels in your water, you can review your local consumer confidence report or perform a WaterQ search. Private well owners may also consider testing their water if they suspect plumbing corrosion. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Copper data page for reported levels in your area.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.