Copper and its Effect on Water

Water contamination is one of the significant health-related concerns in many parts of the world. In India, over 30 million people suffer from waterborne diseases every year. While advancement in technology has brought in novel purification methods, they are still inaccessible to a large section of society across the country. This is where the essential role of copper comes into play.

As per Ayurveda, the ancient Indian alternative medicine system, storing water in a copper container can eliminate microbes from the water. This water stored in copper is called Tamra Jal. This has been a common household practice across the Indian subcontinent.

How does copper affect water?

In past years, the practice was replaced by many water purifying technologies. Copper storage is regaining its due importance as a sustainable, cost-effective, and safe drinking water option that can be made accessible to rural communities. It can potentially reduce the fatalities caused due to unsafe drinking water. Copper was earlier used in treating wounds and is known for its ability to combat diseases. Recent research has confirmed the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic effects of copper use. They are effective against many water-borne diseases.

Copper is an important trace mineral involved in various metabolic activities. It aids the synthesis of hemoglobin, supports cardiovascular health, produces collagen, and helps in the anti-oxidation process.

Copper is known to be toxic to microbes and aids in sterilizing water by dissolving a small number of copper ions into the water. The natural process of this antimicrobial effect is known as the oligodynamic effect. Copper seeps into the water upon storage for about eight hours. Water may contain pathogens like E Coli, hepatitis virus, and hookworm among many others. Metals like copper can kill the microbes present in water. Recent research has shown a dramatic decline of E. Coli in water. Bacterias show a drastic decline due to the oligodynamic effect of metals.

How to identify copper?

With the rise in popularity of copper as a water purification method, there is also a rise in adulterated copper. It can be laced with lead or zinc causing toxicity in the body. While buying copper look for markers like — heaviness — genuine copper is heavy; magnetism — copper doesn’t respond to a magnet; patina — the blue-green color in copper due to exposure to the atmosphere; cost — copper does not come cheap; and certification — look for an accredited product for a good quality copper.

How to store the water in the copper vessel?

The newly bought copper should be washed properly, preferably with lemon and water. The water is generally stored for about 8 hours or overnight for the anti-microbial activity to take place. An excessive amount of copper may cause toxicity. Hence, as per WHO regulations the copper intake should not be more than 10 mg per day. Copper can provide many health benefits when used mindfully.