Copper

What is Copper?
Copper is an essential nutrient in the diet, but it can be toxic at high concentrations. It is used to make pipes, valves and fittings and is present in alloys. It occurs naturally in rocks, soils, water, sediment, air, plants and animals. In the drinking water regulations, it is defined as a Chemical parameter.
What is an exceedance for Copper?
The limit set out in the drinking water directive for Copper is 2mg/l. Therefore, any result above this level is an exceedance for Copper.
How would a Copper exceedance occur?
The main cause of a Copper exceedance is typically due to drinking water meeting internal (i.e. private side) Copper plumbing and fittings containing Copper. All water is corrosive towards Copper to some degree, causing it to dissolve into the drinking water. Low pH (acidic) or high pH (alkaline) water can cause a higher concentration of Copper to dissolve from pipework.