Copper in drinking water

Summary: Every element has to be in an optimum level in water to make it safe for drinking purposes. Likewise, excess copper in drinking water can have some significant impacts in our homes.

Copper is a metal which is reddish in color and occurs naturally in soil, rock weathering and sediments. However, the principal sources of water in private drinking water systems is from the corrosion of copper piping and brass pings and from the addition of copper for treating water supplies to control algal blooms. No doubt, that copper is required as a nutritional element but it should be present in sufficient quantities, but high doses of copper can have serious impacts on health of living organisms. The maximum contaminant level of copper in drinking water as proposed by the US EPA is of 1.3mg/L for copper.

High doses of copper can cause many diseases. Liver damage or anemia is the most important are the most common problems. Short term exposure may cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea or stomach cramps. With increased copper levels and long term exposure can damage kidney and liver. People who are suffering from Wilson's disease are more prone to copper toxicity and thus should be more careful about the level of copper in drinking water. It is better to avoid using water which has been in direct contact with plumbing systems. Purchasing bottled water can also be beneficial in this case.

Using treated water is also another great option. Copper can generally be treated with sodium form strong acid softener. Reverse osmosis or electro dialysis or use of activated carbon in filters can also remove copper in drinking water. The major companies provide water treatment solutions are useful in removing excess copper contents from drinking water and the machines use latest technologies and are eco friendly. These systems are easy to install and are not very expensive.