Copper Pipes — A Potential Risk To Your Water Supply

Copper is one metal that acid water can dissolve into your Denver water system. While copper pipes are used in household plumbing, and it is in fact necessary for your diet, it can be poisonous.

The body has a natural way of regulating copper. However, children under one year old do not have this mechanism yet. Those with Wilson’s Disease also have difficulty maintaining proper copper levels.

Copper concentrations in drinking water vary widely as a result of variations in water characteristics, such as pH, hardness and copper availability in the distribution system.

New Homeowners Should Know This…

The issue of high concentrations of copper in water comes primarily from corrosion of interior copper plumbing.

Coating tends to build up over time in copper pipes and form a protective barrier from the water and copper, however, new homes with new pipes may be susceptible to this issue, as this coating has not built up yet in the new piping.

The best indicator of whether you may have corrosion in your copper pipes is if the pH level in your water is acidic (less than 7). There are a number of solutions for acidic water, including [dealer-url page=”product-whole-house-water-filter”]a Culligan whole home water filter.

If you are concerned enough to replace your copper pipes altogether, the best alternative is likely PEX (crosslinked polyethylene). Along with cost and flexibility advantages, it provides resistance to scale and chlorine. Other options vary – check your building code and do your research before making a decision on whether to switch from copper piping, and determine what is best for you.

EPA Guidelines

The EPA has set an “actionable” level of 1,300 parts per million for copper in water systems, but that level may be too high for those with the aforementioned preconditions. Get your water tested today by your local Culligan man for more information if you have copper pipes.

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