Copper in drinking water can be detrimental to human health, primarily causing gastrointestinal disturbances in the short term and potentially leading to liver toxicity with chronic exposure, especially in sensitive individuals.
Understanding the Risks of Copper in Water
While copper is an essential nutrient needed in small amounts for good health, elevated levels in drinking water can pose significant health risks. The primary concerns stem from the body's reaction to ingesting too much copper.
Acute Health Effects
When individuals consume water containing high levels of copper over a short period, it can lead to immediate and uncomfortable symptoms. This is known as acute ingestion of excess copper.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract Disturbances: The most common immediate effect is an upset digestive system. Symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
Chronic Health Effects
Long-term exposure to elevated copper levels in drinking water can lead to more severe health complications, particularly for certain vulnerable groups.
- Liver Toxicity: Chronic ingestion of excess copper can result in liver damage. This risk is particularly pronounced in sensitive populations, who may have underlying conditions or genetic predispositions that make them less able to process and excrete copper effectively.
Regulatory Standards for Protection
To safeguard public health from the adverse effects of copper in drinking water, regulatory bodies establish specific guidelines.
- EPA MCLG: In 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for copper in drinking water at 1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). This goal is set to protect against the adverse GI tract effects observed from acute exposure, as well as to minimize the risk of chronic effects.
How Copper Enters Drinking Water
Copper typically enters drinking water not from source water, but from the corrosion of plumbing materials, such as pipes, fixtures, and fittings, within homes and buildings. Factors influencing copper leaching include:
- Water's acidity (pH)
- Water hardness
- Temperature
- Amount of oxygen in the water
- Length of time water sits in pipes
Minimizing Copper Exposure in Your Water
Understanding why copper is bad in water helps in taking steps to reduce potential exposure:
- Flush Your Taps: If water has been sitting in your pipes for several hours (e.g., overnight or while you're at work), flush the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This flushes out stagnant water that may have absorbed copper from pipes.
- Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water can dissolve lead and copper from pipes more quickly.
- Test Your Water: If you are concerned about copper levels, especially in older homes, consider having your water tested by a certified laboratory.
- Identify and Address Plumbing Issues: If high copper levels are consistently detected, it might indicate a plumbing issue or the need to adjust water chemistry to prevent corrosion.
Summary of Copper's Harmful Effects in Water:
| Type of Ingestion | Health Effect | Affected Population |
|---|---|---|
| Acute | Gastrointestinal (GI) tract disturbances | General population |
| Chronic | Liver toxicity | Sensitive populations (e.g., those with underlying conditions) |
By being aware of these risks and taking simple precautions, you can reduce your exposure to potentially harmful levels of copper in your drinking water.
