Copper
What it is
A metal that mostly enters tap water from corrosion of copper pipes and brass fixtures, especially when water is acidic (low pH) or sits in pipes for hours.
Your body
According to EPA, short-term exposure above the action level has been linked to stomach and intestinal upset. Long-term exposure has been linked to liver or kidney damage, and people with Wilson’s disease are more sensitive.
Your home
Copper in water points to pipe corrosion, which can lead to pinhole leaks over time. It also leaves blue-green stains on sinks, tubs, and fixtures.
Federal standard: Action level 1.3 ppm (EPA)
Treatment options that can reduce it
Reverse osmosis reduces copper at the tap. On well systems, correcting acidic water can reduce how much copper the pipes release.
Maryland water systems that reported copper
- Baltimore City Department of Public WorksBaltimore City (also serves most of Baltimore County) · 2025 data
- City of AnnapolisAnne Arundel · 2025 data
- City of CambridgeDorchester · 2025 data
- City of FrederickFrederick · 2025 data
- City of SalisburyWicomico · 2025 data
- Easton UtilitiesTalbot · 2025 data
- Harford County Department of Public WorksHarford · 2025 data
- Howard County Department of Public WorksHoward · 2025 data
- Town of OxfordTalbot · 2025 data
- Town of St. MichaelsTalbot · 2025 data
- Town of TrappeTalbot · 2025 data
- WSSC WaterMontgomery and Prince George's · 2025 data
See common private-well contaminants →
The information on this site is for general education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified health professional about health concerns. Water treatment equipment performance depends on the system, its certification, and proper maintenance.
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