Copper is an essential nutrient for the human body and is found in some foods. It is also a metal commonly used in home plumbing systems and can get into drinking water. However, too much copper in the body can cause health effects.
Copper works with iron to make red blood cells in the body. However, drinking water with high amounts of copper can cause stomachaches, vomiting or diarrhea.
Very young children are sensitive to copper and long-term exposure can be harmful to their liver. For this reason, it is important not to use water with too much copper when preparing baby formula.
Water containing copper can also leave blue-green stains on plumbing fixtures or have an unpleasant metallic taste. Staining generally begins at 1.0 mg/L (milligrams per liter). Staining doesn’t necessarily mean the water’s copper level is too high for drinking, but you should test for copper if there is blue-green staining.
Copper piping and fittings are commonly used in home plumbing systems. When well water is acidic, copper from the home’s pipes and fittings dissolve into the drinking water. Water from shallow springs and dug wells is more likely to be acidic. In rare instances, high copper levels in well water are caused by pollution from industry or metal salvage.
Testing is the only way to know if copper is in your drinking water.
The Health Department recommends testing your well or spring for copper every five years. You can order an inorganic chemical test (Kit C) from the Health Department Laboratory, or you can use another certified drinking water lab to test for inorganic chemicals.
The Health Department recommends that you also test your water for lead when copper results are elevated because older plumbing solder and fixtures can contain lead. Learn more about lead in drinking water
The drinking water standard for copper is 1.3 mg/L (milligrams per liter), a level that is enough for the body to make red blood cells, but will prevent health effects. If the copper level in your water is more than (>) 1.3 mg/L, the Health Department recommends treating your water.
Need help understanding your drinking water test results? Find out how to read your results
Copper levels can be lowered or removed from drinking water by using one of the methods or treatment systems listed below. When possible, replace copper piping and fittings with plastic plumbing approved for drinking water systems.
Re-test your drinking water for copper after any treatment system is installed to make sure levels are below the drinking water standard.
Funding is available to help you pay for water treatment or to fix your water system. Learn more about financial assistance programs and eligibility.
