Safe Levels of Copper in Drinking Water: Risks and Remedies for NH

TL;DR: Copper in drinking water is sometimes the result of leaching from pipes or it’s naturally occurring. Either way, it poses risks when levels are too high. Excess copper may cause health issues like stomach upset or long-term effects on liver health. Thankfully, there are simple ways to test the levels of copper in your water and effective ways to reduce contamination in NH homes.

Copper is a naturally occurring metal that can leach from soil, rock, or plumbing materials into your water supply. While small amounts of copper are actually good for your health, too much can lead to issues. If you rely on copper pipes or have acidic water, your drinking water may contain elevated copper levels. Understanding the effects of copper in water NH helps you take the right steps to protect your health.

The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) of 1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for copper in drinking water. Levels above this can cause short-term health issues and, with prolonged exposure, may lead to serious health risks.

How Copper Enters Your Drinking Water

Copper most often enters your water from corroded plumbing systems, especially in homes with older copper pipes or fixtures. Acidic water, which is common in New Hampshire, can accelerate this corrosion, causing copper to leach into your water. Other sources of copper include industrial runoff or natural deposits in groundwater.

If your water has a metallic taste or blue-green stains on sinks and fixtures, it could be a sign of excess copper.

The Health Effects of Copper in Water

Consuming copper in small amounts is safe and even necessary for your body, but high levels can be harmful.

• Short-term health effects: High copper levels can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms are especially common when copper exposure is sudden or acute.
• Long-term health effects: Prolonged exposure to elevated copper levels may lead to liver or kidney damage. Infants and individuals with Wilson’s disease are particularly vulnerable.

Testing for Copper in Your Water

To determine if your water contains excess copper, start by testing it. Professional water testing services are the most reliable way to check copper levels, but at-home kits can provide a basic assessment.

A proper test will measure the concentration of copper and identify if it exceeds the EPA’s safe limit of 1.3 mg/L. It’s especially important to test water from private wells, which aren’t monitored by public water systems.

How to Address High Copper Levels in NH

If your water tests show elevated copper levels, several solutions can help you reduce or eliminate the contamination.

• Install a Point-of-Use Filter: Reverse osmosis systems or activated carbon filters effectively remove copper from drinking water. These filters are ideal for treating water at specific faucets.
• Replace Old Pipes: If your plumbing system is the source of copper contamination, consider replacing aging copper pipes with safer materials like PEX or PVC.
• Neutralize Acidic Water: Acidic water corrodes pipes and leaches copper. A neutralizing filter or chemical feed system can raise the pH of your water, protecting your plumbing and reducing copper levels.
• Flush Your Pipes: If water has been sitting in copper pipes for extended periods, let it run for a minute before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps reduce the concentration of leached copper.

Each solution targets different causes of elevated copper, so choosing the right approach depends on your water’s unique makeup.

Why Copper Matters in NH Water Supplies

In New Hampshire, many homes rely on private wells or older municipal systems, which can increase the risk of copper contamination. Plus, the state’s naturally acidic groundwater makes corrosion more likely, increasing the need for testing and preventive measures.

Staying proactive about copper in drinking water ensures your home’s water remains safe, healthy, and free from unwanted contaminants. By testing regularly and addressing any issues promptly, you can avoid the risks of high copper levels and enjoy clean, great-tasting water.