Copper in Colorado Drinking Water
Colorado has 5,105 public water systems. 238 have recorded copper violations.
Total Systems
5,105
With Violations
238
EPA MCL
1.3
Population Served
7.5M
Copper in Colorado: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
5,105
Systems with Violations
238
Lead Violations
17
Copper Violations
238
EPA Standard
1.3 mg/L
MCLG (goal): 1.3 mg/L
Systems with Copper Violations in Colorado
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| PARKER WSD | 76K | 466 |
| BRIGHTON CITY OF | 56K | 89 |
| ARAPAHOE CNTY WWWA | 31K | 521 |
| EVANS CITY OF | 19K | 58 |
| STERLING CITY OF | 15K | 279 |
| PINERY WWD | 13K | 328 |
| FT LUPTON CITY OF | 12K | 328 |
| IDAHO SPRINGS CITY OF | 10K | 125 |
Health Effects of Copper Exposure
Gastrointestinal distress
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea at high levels
Liver and kidney damage
Chronic high exposure can damage organs
Wilson's disease risk
Those with Wilson's disease are especially sensitive
Short-term: gastrointestinal distress. Long-term: liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are more sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there copper in Colorado water?
Colorado has 5,105 public water systems. 238 have recorded copper violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Colorado water for copper?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for copper?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for copper is 1.3 mg/L. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Copper at a Glance
Source
Corrosion of household plumbing; erosion of natural deposits; leaching from wood preservatives
How to Filter Copper
- +Run cold water 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use
- +NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters can reduce copper
- +Avoid letting water sit in copper pipes overnight