Copper is a metal that exists in the environment as a mineral in rocks and soil. It is commonly found at low levels in natural water bodies. It is also an essential trace element that is required to maintain good health.
Copper pipes are used extensively in plumbing systems throughout Western Australia and in many countries of the world.
However, where copper pipes corrode they can release copper into your drinking water to a level that can affect its quality and safety. The information contained in this guide will help you identify signs of copper corrosion and provide advice on how to minimise its effect on your health.
How does copper get into drinking water?
Low levels of copper can be found naturally in all water sources. However drinking water that has been left standing in household copper pipes for long periods of time is usually the main cause of higher levels of copper.
What are the potential health effects of copper?
The normal adult requires approximately two to three milligrams of copper per person per day. More than 90% of your dietary need for copper is provided by food. Drinking water usually provides less than 10% of your daily copper intake.
Consumption of high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric (stomach) complaints and headaches.
Long term exposure over many months and years can cause liver damage and death.
Is drinking water tested for copper?
In Western Australia all mains water supplies are continually monitored by the Department of Health to ensure copper levels do not exceed Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.These guidelines set two levels for copper:
- 1mg/L for aesthetics to prevent taste and staining problems
- 2mg/L to prevent any health related problems
How can I tell if copper levels in my drinking water are elevated?
- A low level of copper usually leaves a green/blue stain on taps, pipes, hand basins, showers or toilets but there is no bitter or metallic taste. This water is still safe to drink.
- A high level of copper usually leaves a metallic or unpleasant bitter taste in the drinking water. This water may not be safe to drink and you should contact your drinking water provider or have the water professionally tested—see ‘How do I test for copper in my drinking water?’
Are elevated levels of copper commonly found in drinking water in WA?
No. Mains water supplies in WA do not contain higher levels of copper. However, water that has been left standing in copper pipes of some houses can cause a temporary increase in copper levels.
Can I reduce the level of copper in my drinking water?
Yes. The easiest and quickest way to reduce the level of copper in your household mains water is to allow the first flush (30 seconds) of water to run to waste. You can collect it to use in the garden. Alternatively, you can also flush the toilet.
Also water filters can be effective in reducing copper levels in your drinking water. The Environmental Health Guide ‘Water Filters’ provides more information on this topic.
How do I test for copper in my drinking water?
Water testing for copper can be done by any National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited chemical laboratory. Laboratories can be found in the yellow pages telephone directory under the heading ‘Analysts’.
Can I be tested for copper?
Yes. Testing copper levels in the body can be easily done by your doctor through blood and urine tests.
Another form of testing is hair analysis. However, there is no scientific basis for this method and an accurate diagnosis (determining the cause) cannot be made by this approach. Hair testing does not provide an accurate measure of copper poisoning.
How can I reduce my exposure to copper?
While copper intake cannot be eliminated completely, avoiding foods naturally high in copper can be helpful in reducing its levels in the body. However, many foods high in copper are also important components of a healthy diet. Before you change your diet you should talk to your doctor.
Summary
- Normally less than 10% of your daily copper intake is through water consumption.
- Consumption of high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastric (stomach) complaints and headaches.
- A high level of copper in your drinking water will leave a metallic or bitter taste. This water may not be safe to drink and you should contact your drinking water provider or have the water professionally tested.
- A low level of copper usually leaves a green/blue stain on taps, hand basins showers etc. This water is still safe to drink.
- Running the tap for a short period of time (30 seconds) each morning or flushing the toilet is the quickest way to reduce the level of copper in your drinking water.
- Water filters can also be used to reduce copper levels in home drinking water supplies.
- All scheme drinking water supplies are continually monitored by the Department of Health to ensure compliance with the 2004 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and do not contain elevated levels of copper.
- Blood and urine testing is the only accurate way to test for copper.
- See your doctor if you are concerned about the level of copper in your body.
Last reviewed: 24-06-2016
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Public Health