Copper in Utah Drinking Water
Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR
Copper in Utah: what the data shows
Utah has 30 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is 10.680 mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. 30 cities 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 Utah
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.
Top 10 cities by copper level in Utah
Highest Copper levels (mg/L)
All Utah cities ranked by copper level
| # | City | Level | Level | Exceeds? | Violations | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plain City | 127.802 mg/L | Yes | 2 | B | |
| 2 | Cedar City | 68.000 mg/L | Yes | 115 | F | |
| 3 | Apple Valley | 57.000 mg/L | Yes | 28 | D | |
| 4 | Eden | 22.000 mg/L | Yes | 27 | D | |
| 5 | Coalville | 3.930 mg/L | Yes | 21 | F | |
| 6 | Kamas | 2.680 mg/L | Yes | 54 | D | |
| 7 | Orem | 2.250 mg/L | Yes | 76 | F | |
| 8 | Heber | 2.074 mg/L | Yes | 6 | D | |
| 9 | Spanish Fork | 1.997 mg/L | Yes | 26 | F | |
| 10 | Hildale | 1.900 mg/L | Yes | 2 | F | |
| 11 | Sandy | 1.891 mg/L | Yes | 13 | F | |
| 12 | Duchesne | 1.810 mg/L | Yes | 8 | F | |
| 13 | Blanding | 1.760 mg/L | Yes | 9 | F | |
| 14 | Kaysville | 1.737 mg/L | Yes | 7 | C+ | |
| 15 | Altamont | 1.710 mg/L | Yes | 2 | B+ | |
| 16 | Manti | 1.631 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B+ | |
| 17 | Mountain Green | 1.554 mg/L | Yes | 9 | B | |
| 18 | Oakley | 1.528 mg/L | Yes | 17 | D | |
| 19 | Francis | 1.510 mg/L | Yes | 2 | B | |
| 20 | Vernal | 1.500 mg/L | Yes | 1 | C+ | |
| 21 | Ft. Duchesne | 1.470 mg/L | Yes | 18 | F | |
| 22 | Billings | 1.470 mg/L | Yes | 1 | B | |
| 23 | Farr West | 1.450 mg/L | Yes | 7 | B- | |
| 24 | Salt Lake City | 1.435 mg/L | Yes | 26 | F | |
| 25 | Hinckley | 1.430 mg/L | Yes | 7 | C+ | |
| 26 | Elwood | 1.413 mg/L | Yes | 8 | B- | |
| 27 | Dutch John | 1.405 mg/L | Yes | 0 | B | |
| 28 | Brigham City | 1.370 mg/L | Yes | 14 | C- | |
| 29 | Heber City | 1.350 mg/L | Yes | 34 | F | |
| 30 | Torrey | 1.350 mg/L | Yes | 8 | B |
Frequently asked questions about copper in Utah
Is copper in Utah drinking water safe?
30 cities in Utah exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L for copper. The state average is 10.680 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 Utah 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.