Copper is a mineral that is essential for good health. It is found in many foods, including nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables. However, copper can also be found in drinking water, and in some cases, it can be present at levels that could be harmful to human health.
The presence of copper in drinking water can be due to natural deposits in the ground water or plumbing materials. High levels of copper in drinking water can cause gastrointestinal distress, and in some cases, it can cause a blue-green color in the water. While copper is an essential nutrient, too much copper can be harmful to human health. This article will explore the sources of copper in drinking water, the health effects of copper in drinking water, and ways to reduce copper in drinking water.
Key Takeaways
- Copper is an essential nutrient for good health, but too much copper in drinking water can be harmful to human health.
- Copper can be present in drinking water due to natural deposits in the ground water or plumbing materials.
- Testing for copper in drinking water and reducing copper levels in drinking water are important steps to ensure safe drinking water.
Sources of Copper in Drinking Water
Copper is a natural element that can be found in drinking water due to various sources. In this section, we will discuss the three main sources of copper in drinking water.
Water Sources
Copper can be present in drinking water due to natural deposits in the groundwater. When water comes in contact with rocks and soil that contain copper, it can dissolve and enter the water supply. The levels of copper in groundwater can vary depending on the location and geological conditions.
Distribution System
Copper can also enter drinking water through the distribution system. Copper pipes are commonly used in plumbing systems to transport water to homes and buildings. Over time, the copper in the pipes can corrode and release copper ions into the water. The amount of copper that enters the water depends on various factors such as the age of the pipes, water pH, and the presence of other contaminants.
Corrosion in Plumbing
Corrosion in plumbing can also be a source of copper in drinking water. Copper plumbing systems can corrode due to various reasons such as high water velocity, low pH, and the presence of other contaminants. When the copper pipes corrode, copper ions can leach into the water supply.
In conclusion, copper in drinking water can come from various sources such as natural deposits in groundwater, the distribution system, and corrosion in plumbing. It is important to regularly test the water for copper levels and take appropriate measures to reduce copper exposure if necessary.
Health Effects of Copper in Drinking Water
Copper is an essential mineral that is required for several bodily functions such as the formation of red blood cells, maintenance of nerve cells, and the immune system. However, excessive exposure to copper in drinking water can lead to several health problems.
Short-Term Exposure
Short-term exposure to high levels of copper in drinking water can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to stomach complaints and headaches. These symptoms usually occur within a few hours of exposure and disappear within a few days.
Long-Term Exposure
Long-term exposure to copper in drinking water can cause liver damage, anemia, and brain damage. It can also lead to Wilson’s disease, a rare genetic disorder that causes copper to accumulate in the liver, brain, and other vital organs.
Copper Toxicity
Copper toxicity occurs when there is an excessive amount of copper in the body. It can lead to several health problems such as liver damage, kidney problems, and anemia. However, the body can protect itself from copper poisoning by preventing excess copper from entering the bloodstream.
According to the Washington State Department of Health, health studies have found that copper in drinking water can add 4 to 45 percent more copper to a person’s diet than what is in food sources. Absorption studies have indicated that the body excretes about half of ingested copper, which offers some protection against copper poisoning.
It is important to note that the health effects of copper in drinking water depend on the level and duration of exposure. High levels of copper in drinking water can cause gastrointestinal distress and staining of laundry or plumbing fixtures. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the levels of copper in drinking water and take appropriate measures to reduce exposure if necessary.
Testing for Copper in Drinking Water
If you are concerned about the presence of copper in your drinking water, there are several ways to test for it. In this section, we will discuss the different methods of water testing for copper and explain the action level for copper in drinking water.
Water Testing
The most common way to test for copper in drinking water is to send a sample to a laboratory for analysis. Public water systems are required to test for copper levels and report the results to their customers. If you have a private well, you can contact a laboratory to have your water tested. Some home testing kits are also available, but they may not be as accurate as laboratory testing.
Action Level
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an action level of 1.3 parts per million (ppm) or 1,300 parts per billion (ppb) for copper in drinking water. This level is not a health-based standard, but rather a level at which public water systems must take action to reduce copper levels if they exceed it. The maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) for copper is zero, meaning that there is no safe level of copper in drinking water.
If your water has copper levels above the action level, you should contact your water supplier to find out what actions they are taking to reduce copper levels. You may also want to consider installing a water treatment system, such as a reverse osmosis system or a copper removal filter.
In conclusion, testing for copper in drinking water is important to ensure that your water is safe to drink. Public water systems are required to test for copper levels, but if you have a private well, you should contact a laboratory to have your water tested. The action level for copper in drinking water is 1.3 ppm or 1,300 ppb, and if your water exceeds this level, you should take action to reduce copper levels.
Reducing Copper in Drinking Water
If you’re concerned about the amount of copper in your drinking water, there are several treatment options available. Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce copper in your drinking water.
Treatment Options
One of the most effective ways to reduce copper in your drinking water is to install a reverse osmosis (RO) system. These systems use a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water, including copper. RO systems certified by NSF reduce copper levels to below the action level of 1,300 ppb (1.3 mg/L) [1]. Another treatment option is ion exchange, which works by exchanging copper ions for other ions, such as sodium or potassium. Distillation is also effective at removing copper from water [2].
Filters
Water filters can be effective at reducing copper levels in your drinking water. However, not all filters are created equal. Ceramic filters, activated carbon filters, and sediment filters usually can’t remove or reduce copper in drinking water [2]. On the other hand, KDF filters are specifically designed to remove heavy metals like copper from water. Look for filters that are certified by NSF/ANSI Standard 53 to ensure that they are effective at reducing copper levels [1].
Replacing Copper Pipes
If you have copper pipes in your home, they may be contributing to the copper levels in your drinking water. Over time, copper pipes can corrode, which can release copper into the water. If you’re concerned about copper levels in your water, consider replacing your copper pipes with plastic or PVC pipes. This can be a costly option, but it may be necessary if you have high levels of copper in your water.
In addition to replacing copper pipes, you may also want to consider replacing any plumbing fixtures or faucets that contain copper. Look for fixtures that are made from other materials, such as stainless steel or brass.
Overall, reducing copper levels in your drinking water is important for your health and well-being. By using treatment options like reverse osmosis and ion exchange, installing effective filters, and replacing copper pipes and fixtures, you can ensure that your drinking water is safe and healthy to consume.
[1] NSF. Copper in Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/copper-drinking-water [2] Water Filter Guru. How to Remove Copper from Drinking Water (5 Best Methods). Retrieved from https://waterfilterguru.com/how-to-remove-copper-from-drinking-water/Copper in Diet and Health
Copper is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in various physiological processes in the human body. It is required for the production of red blood cells, maintenance of healthy bones, connective tissues, and nerve cells. Copper also acts as an antioxidant, protecting the body against damage from free radicals.
Copper as a Nutrient
The human body requires a small amount of copper daily to function correctly. The recommended daily intake of copper for adults is 900 micrograms. Copper is a trace mineral, which means that it is needed in small quantities. However, it is still an essential nutrient, and a deficiency can lead to health problems.
Copper-Rich Foods
Copper is found in many foods, including organ meats like liver, shellfish, fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark chocolate. Beef liver is one of the richest sources of copper, with 1 slice (81g) containing 4,151% of the recommended daily intake. Oysters, crab, and salmon are also excellent sources of copper.
Vegetarian sources of copper include potatoes, peas, nuts, seeds, and grains. However, the absorption of copper from plant-based sources is lower than from animal-based sources. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans may need to consume more copper-rich foods to meet their daily requirements.
Copper Deficiency
Copper deficiency is rare, but it can occur in people with malabsorption disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. Symptoms of copper deficiency include anemia, bone abnormalities, low white blood cell count, and neurological problems.
It is essential to consume adequate amounts of copper daily to maintain good health. However, excessive copper intake can also be harmful. The body excretes about half of ingested copper, which offers some protection against copper poisoning. Copper toxicity can cause gastrointestinal problems, liver damage, and neurological problems. Therefore, it is essential to consume copper in moderation and not exceed the recommended daily intake.
In summary, copper is an essential nutrient that is required in small quantities but plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. It is found in many foods, including organ meats, shellfish, fish, nuts, seeds, and grains. Vegetarians and vegans may need to consume more copper-rich foods to meet their daily requirements. However, excessive copper intake can be harmful, and it is essential to consume copper in moderation.
Summary
Copper is a metal that can occur naturally in drinking water or can enter the water through corrosion of copper pipes or plumbing materials. While copper is an essential mineral that the body needs in small amounts, excessive levels of copper in drinking water can pose potential health risks.
Consuming high levels of copper can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric complaints, and headaches. Long-term exposure to excess copper can lead to liver damage and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to protect the safety and quality of drinking water to ensure the health of the public.
Regulations such as the Lead and Copper Rule set by the EPA in 1991 aim to control the levels of copper and lead in drinking water. The current EPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for copper in drinking water is 1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L), based on the need to protect against adverse gastrointestinal effects.
Households with copper plumbing or water supply systems may experience staining and a metallic taste in their drinking water. It is important to note that dissolved copper in water does not pose a significant risk to human health, but it can be harmful to aquatic life and shellfish.
It is also worth noting that copper is a heavy metal that can be found in soil and reservoirs, and can enter ground water through natural deposits. Additionally, copper compounds are used in electrical wiring and other industrial applications, which can contribute to the presence of copper in the environment.
Overall, it is crucial to regulate and monitor the levels of copper in drinking water to protect the health and safety of the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does copper get into drinking water?
Copper can enter drinking water when water flows through copper pipes or plumbing fixtures that contain copper or brass parts. Private wells may also contain copper from naturally occurring sources.
What are the effects of copper in water?
Copper is an essential nutrient that our bodies need in small amounts. However, high levels of copper in drinking water can cause gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure to high levels of copper can also lead to liver and kidney damage.
What causes excess copper in drinking water?
Excess copper in drinking water can be caused by several factors, including acidic water, low pH levels, and corroded pipes or plumbing fixtures. Homes with copper pipes that are more than 20 years old or that have undergone recent repairs are more likely to have higher levels of copper in their drinking water.
How can I reduce copper in my water?
To reduce copper levels in drinking water, you can let the water run for 30 seconds before using it, especially after it has been sitting in the pipes for several hours. You can also install a water filtration system that is specifically designed to remove copper from drinking water.
Does drinking water from copper have health benefits?
Drinking water from copper containers has been a traditional practice in many cultures, and some people believe that it has health benefits. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, drinking water from copper containers can actually increase copper levels in the body, which can be harmful in high amounts.
Do water filters remove copper from drinking water?
Yes, some water filters can remove copper from drinking water. Reverse osmosis filters and activated carbon filters are effective at removing copper from water. However, not all water filters are designed to remove copper, so it’s important to choose a filter that is specifically designed for this purpose.
