Copper levels in water: how to stay safe

SYDNEY — Some copper is harmless but high levels of it in drinking water can be harmful and Health Canada developed new guidelines for maximum levels last summer.

Now, Health Canada is recommending 2 mg/L of copper is the maximum amount that should be in drinking water.

Usually, copper pipes cause the mineral to seep into drinking water. Hot water can increase the release of copper and other metals from plumping into water.

Health Canada advises that bathing or showering in high levels of copper does not pose any health risk and it can’t be absorbed by the skin or inhaled.

However, ingesting too much copper can cause health problems. Short term, these are nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Long term it can cause liver or kidney problems.

Infants are more at risk for falling ill because their bodies absorb more copper, they drink more water based on body weight and are less able to remove copper from their bodies because their organs are still growing.

To temporarily reduce copper levels in drinking water:

• Use only cold tap water and let it run for one minute before drinking, cooking or preparing infant formula

• Flush out plumbing after water has been sitting in pipes for a few hours such as first thing in the morning or after returning from work

• Clear pipes by flushing the toilet, taking a shower, or starting a load of laundry

*NOTE: Information from Health Canada