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Metals·EPA Limit: 1.3 ppm (action level) / 1.0 ppm MCLG

Copper

A metal that enters water primarily through corrosion of household copper plumbing.

Source

Copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, especially with acidic or soft water.

Health Risk

Short-term exposure above action levels can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage.

Filter Tip

Reverse osmosis, distillation, or activated carbon filters can reduce copper levels.

Copper is a metal that enters drinking water primarily through corrosion of copper plumbing pipes and fixtures in homes and buildings. While copper is an essential nutrient in small amounts, elevated levels in drinking water can cause health problems.

The EPA's action level for copper is 1.3 parts per million (ppm) at the 90th percentile. When more than 10% of tap water samples exceed this level, the water utility must take corrective action.

Health Effects of Copper in Water

  • Short-term exposure above 1.3 ppm can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Long-term exposure may cause liver damage and kidney disease
  • People with Wilson's disease are especially sensitive to copper
  • Infants may be more vulnerable to copper toxicity

What Causes Copper in Tap Water?

Copper leaches from plumbing when water is corrosive (low pH or soft water), the plumbing is new (copper leaching decreases over time), and water sits in pipes for extended periods. Homes built from the 1960s to 2000s commonly have copper plumbing.

How to Reduce Copper in Your Water

  • Run the Tap: Let water run for 15-30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning
  • Reverse Osmosis: Highly effective at removing copper
  • Activated Carbon Filters: Some carbon filters can reduce copper — look for NSF 53 certification
  • Distillation: Effective but slow

Copper Levels in US Cities

Based on verified municipal water quality reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) from 23 cities.

Detected Within Limits (21)

Las Vegas, NV850 ppb(65% of limit)San Diego, CA600 ppb(46% of limit)Los Angeles, CA529 ppb(41% of limit)Fort Worth, TX400 ppb(31% of limit)Dallas, TX390 ppb(30% of limit)Phoenix, AZ300 ppb(23% of limit)Houston, TX250 ppb(19% of limit)San Jose, CA230 ppb(18% of limit)Philadelphia, PA219 ppb(17% of limit)Indianapolis, IN200 ppb(15% of limit)New York City, NY195 ppb(15% of limit)San Antonio, TX187 ppb(14% of limit)Seattle, WA120 ppb(9% of limit)Nashville, TN119 ppb(9% of limit)Baltimore, MD112 ppb(9% of limit)Jacksonville, FL80 ppb(6% of limit)San Francisco, CA72 ppb(6% of limit)Denver, CO60 ppb(5% of limit)Chicago, IL52 ppb(4% of limit)Columbus, OH49 ppb(4% of limit)Austin, TX8 ppb(1% of limit)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is copper in water dangerous?

At typical levels (below 1.3 ppm), copper in water is not dangerous for most people. Above the EPA action level, it can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Long-term exposure to high levels may affect the liver and kidneys.

Why does my water turn green from copper?

Blue-green staining on fixtures is a sign of copper corrosion in your plumbing. This typically occurs when water is acidic (low pH) or very soft. The staining itself is not harmful, but it indicates elevated copper levels.

Does a Brita filter remove copper?

Some Brita filters can reduce copper — check for NSF 53 certification on the specific model. For significant copper reduction, a reverse osmosis system is more reliable.

Related Contaminants

Lead

A toxic heavy metal that typically enters drinking water through corroding pipes, faucets, and solder — not from the water source itself.

Arsenic

A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil that can dissolve into groundwater.

Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)

A toxic form of chromium made famous by the Erin Brockovich case. Can occur naturally or from industrial pollution.

Sources & References

  1. EPA — Lead and Copper Rule
  2. EPA — Copper in Drinking Water
  3. WHO — Copper in Drinking Water
All Contaminants