Copper In Water

Its Dangers & How To Eliminate It

Under the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, the copper in water is regulated in order to protect consumers from health risks and exposure.

Source of Contamination: The contaminant can get in water sources through copper mining and smelting activity. But by far the source of greatest concern is the corrosion of copper plumbing.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of copper that is allowed in drinking water is 1.3 mg/L. This level, known as the maximum contaminant level (mcl), is set by the EPA.

Should copper exist in the water supply above the mcl, water authorities are duty bound to reduce the contamination to sub-mcl levels. They must also notify customers of the contamination within 30 days of discovering the problem.

Health Effects: Although copper is a vital nutrient for the body, consuming it above the MCL could cause nausea and gastrointestinal illness. Over the long term, it could cause kidney damage.

Home Water Treatment: Look for water treatment devices that are certified to NSF 58 such as this reverse osmosis purifier. NSF certification assures that a filter achieves a high level of performance.

A water distiller is also able to removing copper as well as a wide range of other contaminants.

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