Monitoring Water for Copper With KETOS SHIELD

Find out how KETOS SHIELD solves for water testing parameters, including heavy metals (like copper), in real-time – while saving costs with our $0-CAPEX subscription model. As an intelligent water management solution, KETOS SHIELD provides real-time monitoring for copper and 30+ other water testing parameters (including multiple heavy metals, environmental factors, inorganics, and more). Monitoring happens within a cloud-enabled modular system that allows for remote 24/7 access.

Why Monitor Water for Copper with KETOS

Copper can enter water sources via industrial discharge. For example, nearby farming or mining operations may inadvertently add copper into the environment if water supplies used in processes are not properly remediated. It can also manifest in drinking water supplies via leaching and contamination from the corrosion of copper piping, a material commonly used in water infrastructure. While copper is safe in small quantities, more acute amounts can lead to copper poisoning in individuals with symptoms manifesting as vomiting, nausea, muscle or abdominal pain, or even kidney failure or liver poisoning.

What are the Issues with Copper in Water?

Copper contamination in water sources poses significant challenges due to its potential health risks and detrimental effects on both infrastructure and the environment. Here are several key issues associated with elevated levels of copper in water:

• Health Concerns: High concentrations of copper in drinking water can pose health risks, particularly for sensitive populations such as infants, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions. Chronic exposure to elevated copper levels may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, liver and kidney damage, and neurological symptoms. Additionally, short-term exposure to high copper concentrations can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Corrosion and Leaching: Copper can leach into water from pipes, fittings, and plumbing fixtures, especially in older homes with copper plumbing systems. Corrosion of copper pipes due to acidic or aggressive water conditions can increase copper levels in drinking water, compromising water quality and potentially exceeding regulatory limits.
• Blue-Green Staining: Elevated copper levels in water can cause blue-green staining on plumbing fixtures, sinks, and bathtubs. This aesthetic issue not only affects the appearance of surfaces but also indicates potential corrosion and deterioration of plumbing materials.
• Environmental Impact: Copper contamination in water can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, particularly in freshwater environments. Elevated copper levels can be toxic to aquatic organisms such as fish, invertebrates, and plants, leading to impaired growth, reproduction, and overall ecosystem health. Contaminated runoff from urban areas, industrial sites, and agricultural activities can contribute to copper pollution in waterways.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory agencies establish guidelines and standards for copper levels in drinking water to protect public health. Ensuring compliance with these regulations presents challenges for water utilities and homeowners, particularly in areas with aging infrastructure or corrosive water conditions.
• Treatment Considerations: Removing copper from water sources can be challenging and may require specialized treatment methods such as ion exchange, activated carbon filtration, or reverse osmosis. Effective treatment strategies depend on factors such as the concentration of copper, water chemistry, and available resources.

Monitoring for copper can ensure that water is safe for human consumption and protect surrounding water supplies from contamination. Copper monitoring also has applications in terms of protecting infrastructure, as it may be an indication of pipe corrosion in infrastructure. That’s why it is essential to observe copper levels in water infrastructure and industrial applications continuously. By being vigilant, water operators are more likely to catch spikes in copper levels to prevent contamination events. It can also be an early warning variable to help indicate if operations suffer from pipe corrosion.

Causes of Copper in Water

Copper contamination in water can stem from both natural and human sources. Naturally, copper is found in various minerals and can enter water through the erosion and weathering of rocks. Groundwater passing through copper-rich geological formations may dissolve and carry copper into water supplies. Similarly, copper can leach from soil into surface water during heavy rainfall or other weather events.

Acceptable Levels of Copper in Water by Industry

Copper is an essential trace element found in water supplies, with acceptable levels varying by industry due to its potential health and environmental impacts. In drinking water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set an action level of 1.3 mg/L to prevent adverse health effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a guideline value of 2 mg/L for safe drinking water. The food and beverage industry, to maintain product safety and quality, typically adheres to even stricter standards, often below 1 mg/L. Industrial applications such as textile and paper manufacturing may allow higher concentrations, up to 3 mg/L, due to less direct human consumption. Aquaculture requires stringent limits, usually below 0.02 mg/L, to protect aquatic life. These varying thresholds ensure that copper levels remain safe and suitable for each industry’s specific needs and regulatory requirements.

Industry	Acceptable Copper Level (mg/L)
Drinking Water (EPA)	1.3
Drinking Water (WHO)	2.0
Food and Beverage	< 1.0
Textile and Paper Manufacturing	up to 3.0
Aquaculture	< 0.02

How to Easily Monitor Water for Copper

Instead of measuring copper with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. Monitoring for heavy metals like copper is a great start – but see what else KETOS can do for your organization! Initiate your water monitoring with heavy metals such as copper, but delve deeper into KETOS’s capabilities for comprehensive water analysis. Explore a plethora of parameters beyond heavy metals, empowering your organization with extensive insights for effective water quality management and environmental protection. Whether you’re analyzing dissolved boron levels in wastewater, measuring dissolved oxygen in seawater, or detecting dissolved silica in freshwater, KETOS’ automated water monitoring system offers efficient solutions. Save time and streamline compliance with our advanced technology.