Copper is a heavy metal, but also a trace element vital to life. Consequently, the use of copper pipes in drinking water installations is controversial.

Copper is an essential trace element for humans. It is estimated that adult requirements are about 2-3 mg per person per day. High doses of copper (above 50mg/kg body weight) can be lethal. Copper is stored in the liver, brain and muscle tissue. Copper is eliminated from the body mainly in bile. (1)
Effects of copper poisoning are associated with cirrhosis of the liver and, in extreme cases, death. Other less severe symptoms associated with the consumption of water containing over 3mg/L copper are diarrhoea, progressive loss of strength, and vomiting. Infants are most susceptible. Concentrations above 2mg/L are known to cause ill-effects in some people. Exposure to concentrations above 3mg/L for a number of months can cause liver damage in young infants. (1)
Based on the Drinking Water Guidelines published by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, copper would be a health consideration for concentrations over 2mg/L, and on aesthetic considerations over 1mg/L. (1)

The concentration of copper in tap water can rise substantially when water with a low pH and hardness remains in stagnant contact with copper pipes and fittings. (1)

The Filter cartridge used in the BRITA jug and cask filter systems contains Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange Resin. The resin used is called a weak acidic cationic resin, which will remove positive charged copper ions.

 (1) Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, National Health and Medical Research Council 1996.

Copper Pipe Corrosion

A report on "a current AFFAIR" (Channel 9) on 9th July 2001 reported:
"In almost every Australian household, the water we drink is delivered to our taps through copper pipes, but some of these pipes are corroding and, as a result, release water-soluble poison.

ACA has discovered that all around the nation from Cairns in Queensland and Evans Head in northern NSW, to Melbourne serious instances of copper-pipe corrosion are being reported by the public."