What to do with copper in water. Copper filter.

Do you need a copper filter? If your water has a metallic taste, there is something in your water. That "something" is most likely copper, and it can harm you and your home in many ways. Here's everything you need to know about copper in water.

What is copper?

Copper is an element found in the Earth's crust. It is usually extracted from copper mines underground. Once the sediment has been extracted, the rock is refined through a series of processes to produce pure copper. Most often, copper is combined with other elements to create new matter. Most often it is combined with tin to make bronze or with zinc to make brass.

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Because of its adaptive properties, copper is often used to create common household goods. For example, cars made in the US can contain around 50 pounds of copper. Similarly, US homes contain around 400 pounds. In your home, you are likely to find it inside the walls, as many pipes and electrical wires are made of copper. You might even find it in your wallet or pocket if you have a pre-1982 penny. While they used to be made of 95% copper, pennies are now made of 96.7% zinc and only 2.4% copper.

 

Why is there copper in water?

The most common way contaminates copper in water is through corrosion of pipes, taps and water fittings. When hot water passes through copper pipes, the element clears and dissolves in the water. Similarly, water sitting in pipes overnight can have the same effect on copper.

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The level of copper in water can vary depending on the presence of other minerals, the amount of time the water is in your pipes and the temperature and acidity of the water. Not to mention the fact that other heavy metals can enter your water as a result of mining.

When copper in water is refined, the remaining waste materials (such as lead and mercury) are discharged into rivers and streams, contaminating our water supplies.

How copper in water can affect your home

Copper in water can affect both you and your home. Around your home, you may notice blue or green stains on taps, pipes and sinks, and water with a bitter or metallic taste. As for your health, excessive copper consumption can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

If you experience any unusual side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Although signs of copper in water supply can sometimes be obvious, they can also go unnoticed. Thus, it is best to have your water professionally tested for copper and other dangerous minerals.

How to test for copper in water

To check content of copper in water, start with home water test. Whether you get your water from a private well or a public source, your water can become contaminated by the time it runs off your taps. However, well water is at even greater risk of contamination.

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Thus, the EPA recommends checking your water every two to three years or sooner if you notice signs of contamination. By checking your water's copper content regularly, you can protect yourself and your home.

Copper filter water

To reduce the copper content in your water, let your tap water run for 30 seconds before using it. Copper filter water, such as reverse osmosis filtration systems, can do the job for you. By filtering out hard elements like copper, lead and mercury, you'll get cleaner, better-tasting water that you can use around the house when you need it most.

 Universal water filters

The water in your home often contains not only copper, but many other components as well. Not all of them are good for your health and your home.
Universal water filters can help get rid of iron, sulfur, fluoride, and so on.

 Buy in AquaHomeGroup and read our blog "How to pick one up shower filter?".


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