Copper is a naturally occurring dissolved mineral in water and is an essential nutrient. Proper levels of copper help with iron adsorption in the body which helps to regulate blood vessels, bone health and many other benefits. Excess copper in the diet may lead to issues such as kidney and liver disease. Excess copper in water may source from copper pipe leaching due to corrosive waters.
Lead in Water Systems
Lead is not a naturally occurring mineral in water. Lead that is present in water is essentially entirely a product of corrosion and leaching of galvanized piping, old lead piping and even older sweating and soldering of copper piping that used to contain minute amounts of lead. Lead is known to be a bio-accumulator – meaning that the body does not always process lead as a waste, and may store deposits and buildups over time, which may eventually lead to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is a serious concern, especially for children and growing adults as it may lead to serious complications with mental and physical development.
Public Water Issues Related to Lead and Copper
Lead and copper leaching into municipal drinking water supplies has become a growing concern over time. Large scale water lead and copper contamination events such as Flint, Michigan are continuing to happen across the United States. As such the Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a much-needed overhaul to the Lead and Copper Rule, which was established nearly thirty years ago, making testing requirements and actions more stringent.
As testing related to copper and lead leaching become more strict, more areas will be identified that require swift action. Aqua Clear Water Treatment Specialists has a line of products that are NSF/ANSI 60 approved for drinking water use that are proven to reduce or eliminate copper and lead leaching from old pipes due to corrosion over time. These products are designed to be injected neat into the treated water distribution system to effectively reduce copper and lead levels in water to well below the EPA’s established safe levels.
For more information, contact an Aqua Clear Water Treatment Specialist.
