How to Remove Copper from Drinking Water

If you have copper pipes within your home it is important to know that that copper pipes can become corroded, which can lead to copper contamination in your drinking water. Perhaps you have a well that you use for drinking water or irrigation purposes, if so these can also be exposed to copper contamination. Learn some tips to ensure that your drinking water is safe and the copper is eliminated from the water.

• Find a good plumber if you do have copper pipes. You should have the pipes checked annually, especially if they have been in the house for years.  The plumber can tell you if the pipes are corroded and if they should be replaced.  Also, they will give you a quote of how much it will cost to do this.


• Run water through the pipe for three minutes before using the water for any reason such as drinking or cooking. This will allow you to flush out the water that can be contaminated with copper.  This option is to be done if you cannot afford to have the piping replaced.


• Find an affordable water filter system that guarantees to remove copper along with other elements.  Depending on the type you choose to buy it may require a technician to install it, which yes will be another added expense to your.


• Find a laboratory in your area that can test the water in your drinking well to check on the copper levels. This will ensure that the copper levels are not dangerously high. You can do this by contacting your state certification officer for a list of labs in your area who will do this.


• Go to the NSF International website and find guidelines on treatment options you can take to eliminate the high levels of copper in your drinking water.  NSF International is an organization that is dedicated to public health and safety.  You can also contact your local health department to see if they have any tips or guidelines you can follow.


• Seek out medical help if you believe you have been exposed to copper contamination.  Some symptoms to look out for with copper contamination are as follows cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Do not hesitate to seek out medical help if you are displaying any of these symptoms even in a mild form, because prolonged exposure to copper contamination can lead to organ damage, which can be a very serious.