Copper in QC Drinking Water
Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR
Copper in QC: what the data shows
QC has 0 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is N/A mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. No cities currently exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L. Copper in drinking water typically comes from corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L is the 90th percentile threshold — if more than 10% of tap samples exceed it, utilities must take corrective action including adjusting water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. Short-term copper exposure above the action level can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with liver and kidney damage. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use and using an NSF 53-certified filter can reduce copper exposure.
Cities exceeding 1.3 mg/L EPA Action Level
Copper data across QC
Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with copper levels above the 1.3 mg/L EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.
All QC cities ranked by copper level
No copper data available for QC cities.
Frequently asked questions about copper in QC
Is copper in QC drinking water safe?
No cities in QC currently exceed the 1.3 mg/L EPA copper action level. The state average is N/A mg/L. Copper levels are highest in homes with copper plumbing, particularly when water sits in pipes overnight. Flushing the tap before use significantly reduces copper in drinking water.
What causes high copper levels in QC tap water?
Copper typically leaches from copper pipes and brass fittings within homes, not from the water source itself. Corrosive (low pH or soft) water accelerates this leaching. Water utilities with high copper readings are required to adjust water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use.