Copper Pipes in Homes: Health Risks & What You Need to Know

Copper piping was commonly used in household drinking water lines before the practice was outlawed in 1974. Many older houses still have copper pipes in their networks, which can be hazardous to your health if regularly consumed.

Short-term Effects

• Short-term effects of the consumption of copper-contaminated water may result in a wide variety of gastric disturbances. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Long-term Effects

• Prolonged exposure to copper via drinking water can have serious long-term health effects. If contaminated water is continually ingested over a long period of time, liver and kidney damage can occur.

Dangerous Levels

• The amount of copper in the water known to be dangerous, called the Action Level, is 1.3 parts per million. Consumption of water contaminated with copper exceeding this level is unsafe for long periods and should be entirely avoided.

The Risk

• While death from ingesting copper is extremely rare, regularly drinking copper-contaminated water is ill-advised. If your home does contain copper piping, it is in your health's interest to seek out replacement parts.