What are the health effects of copper in drinking water? How can I remove copper from drinking water?
The health effects of copper are stomach and intestinal distress, liver and kidney damage, and anemia. Persons with Wilson’s disease may be at higher risk of health effects due to copper than the general public. Removal of copper involves the following steps: – “Flush” the cold water faucet by allowing the water to run until you can feel that the water has become cold. – Never cook with or consume water from the hot-water tap. Hot water dissolves copper more quickly than cold water. – If you are served by a water system, contact it and ask whether or not the water is corrosive. If it is corrosive, ask what steps the system is taking to deal with the problem of copper contamination. – Purchase a home water treatment unit that is designed to remove lead and copper from drinking water. – Use bottled water that is lead and copper-free for drinking and cooking.
