What is the copper action level for water treatment?

The copper action level for water treatment is set at 1.3 mg/L. This standard is based on guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to safeguard public health and ensure that drinking water remains safe. The action level indicates the concentration of copper in water at which utilities must take action to control copper levels if more than 10% of samples exceed this threshold during routine monitoring.

Exceeding this action level can lead to health issues, particularly for sensitive groups such as young children and pregnant women, as elevated copper levels can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health complications. Thus, maintaining copper levels at or below the action level is critical for effective water quality management and safeguarding community health.