Copper (Cu)
Heavy Metal · measured in mg/L
An essential trace metal at low levels, but a corrosion-related contaminant at high levels — like lead, it usually enters water from household plumbing rather than the source.
Common sources
Corrosion of copper pipes and brass fixtures, particularly in areas with acidic or soft water.
Health risks
Short-term high exposure causes gastrointestinal symptoms — nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea. Long-term high exposure has been linked to liver and kidney damage, and infants and people with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Sources & further reading
- EPA — Basic Information about Copper in Drinking Water
- ATSDR — Toxicological Profile for Copper
How ClearDive rates severity
Readings are bucketed for map color-coding using thresholds referenced from EPA regulatory limits where available. This is a simplified public-awareness scale, not a substitute for certified lab analysis.
How to test for it
Field colorimetric test kits give a same-day estimate; lab ICP-MS confirms precise concentration.