952-479-4553Copper is a naturally occurring element in rock, soil, water, plants, sediment and air. This “transitional metal” is typically dissolved in water as a divalent cation (Cu+2).
What are the Health Effects of Copper in Drinking Water?
Copper is actually an essential element for living organisms because it acts as a catalyst for producing enzymes. Too much copper, however, can be damaging to health:
Gastrointestinal distress
Nausea and vomiting
Long-term excess exposure associated with liver damage, kidney disease
How is Copper Regulated?
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends the following:
Maximum intake not to exceed 10 milligrams per day (mg/day) for adults
Recommended intake for adults: 1.0 to 1.6 mg/day
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the following limits:
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): 1.3ppm
Action Level: 1.3ppm
Secondary Maximum (recommended to avoid metallic taste or blue-green staining): 1.0 ppm
Where Does Copper Come From?
Copper ore is widely used in copper pipe and tubing. Copper compounds also used for pesticides and algae control. Natural levels of copper in groundwater and surface water is about 4ppb (parts per billion) or less.
Drinking water may contain higher levels of dissolved copper from corrosion of copper plumbing. Level increases with corrosivity of the water and contact time with the plumbing.
Copper may also be discharged from wastewater treatment plants as it does not break down in the environment.
Copper Plumbing Corrosion:
Blue-green stains on fixtures are often an indicator of corrosion in copper piping/tubing. Copper corrosion may be have several causes that are water related:
Pitting: Pinhole leaks and surface pitting are common, especially in cold water with:
pH of 7.0 to 7.7
Dissolved Oxygen exceeding 3 parts per million (ppm)
Carbon Dioxide of 25ppm or more
Sulfate-to-Chloride ratio greater than 3-to-1
Water containing Iron, Manganese or Aluminum
Erosion: More common with:
Recirculating hot water (140°F/60°C or more)
High flow water velocities
Excess pipe burrs and solder globules disrupting laminar flow
Recommended Water Treatment Options for Copper
Point-of-entry (POE)
pH control with a Neutralizing Whole-House Filter
Film-Creating Compounds (Food-Grade Polyphosphates)
Film-Creating Compounds (Food-Grade Polyphosphates)
