Inorganic Low Risk
Copper
Short-term: gastrointestinal distress; long-term: liver or kidney damage
Sources: Corrosion of plumbing, Copper pipes, Mining
Regulatory Limit
Zero EPA Limit (1.3 mg/L)
*Levels above the EPA limit are considered unsafe.
MCL Value
1.3 mg/L
Goal (MCLG)
0 mg/L
Violating Systems
11 nationwide
Affected Population
3.3M estimated
Avg Detected Level
0.9997 mg/L in affected systems
Health Risk Assessment
Exposure to Copper in drinking water is regulated because of its potential to cause short-term: gastrointestinal distress; long-term: liver or kidney damage. The EPA has set the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 1.3 mg/L to protect public health.
Note: Long-term exposure above the MCL can significantly increase health risks.
Detailed Health Effects
Short-term: gastrointestinal distress; long-term: liver or kidney damage
Common Sources
1
Corrosion of plumbing 2
Copper pipes 3
Mining National Overview
Total Tests
60
Violations Found
11
Violation Rate
18.3%
Top States by Violations
Most Affected Systems
89
Minneapolis Water Treatment
B MN2710001 Minneapolis, MN
429,606 served
93
Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
A OH1810002 Cleveland, OH
300,000 served
21
South Burlington Water Department
F VT0005162 South Burlington, VT
20,292 served
1 violation
93
Meridian Water Services
A ID0010101 Meridian, ID
117,635 served
73
Casper Board of Public Utilities
B WY5600018 Casper, WY
59,324 served
89
City of Jackson Water System
B MS0250001 Jackson, MS
153,701 served
73
Seattle Public Utilities
B WA1710001 Seattle, WA
749,256 served
69
Connecticut Water Company
C CT0460012 Hartford, CT
300,000 served
69
Oklahoma City Water Utilities Trust
C OK3010001 Oklahoma City, OK
687,725 served
77
Colorado Springs Utilities
B CO0410001 Colorado Springs, CO
478,961 served
Treatment Methods
Corrosion control
Water softening
Reverse osmosis
Is this in your water?
Find out if your local water system has detected Copper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Copper and why is it in drinking water?
Copper is a inorganic contaminant. Common sources include: Corrosion of plumbing, Copper pipes, Mining.
What are the health effects of Copper in drinking water?
Short-term: gastrointestinal distress; long-term: liver or kidney damage
What is the EPA limit for Copper?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Copper is 1.3 mg/L.
How can I remove Copper from my water?
Effective treatment methods for removing Copper include: Corrosion control, Water softening, Reverse osmosis.
How do I test my water for Copper?
You can check your water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report for Copper levels, or use a certified home water testing kit. WaterQ provides the latest EPA test data for all public water systems.