UK Legal Limit
2 mg/L
WHO Guideline
2 mg/L
EU Standard
2 mg/L
Primary Sources
Agricultural runoff
Copper in UK drinking water is regulated at 2 mg/L. The WHO guideline is 2 mg/L and the EU standard is 2 mg/L. Enter your postcode on TapWater.uk to check Copper levels in your area.
Short-term exposure to high copper levels can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Long-term exposure above safe limits has been linked to liver and kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease, a genetic condition affecting copper metabolism, are particularly vulnerable. Infants and young children are more sensitive to copper than adults.
The main source of copper in UK tap water is internal plumbing. Copper pipes have been standard in UK construction since the 1950s. New copper pipes are more likely to leach copper into water, especially in areas with soft or acidic water. Industrial discharge and agricultural fungicides can also contribute to copper in source water.
| Jurisdiction | Limit / Guideline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK (DWI) | 2 mg/L | Regulated under the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 |
| WHO | 2 mg/L | World Health Organization Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality |
| EU | 2 mg/L | EU Drinking Water Directive (2020/2184). The UK no longer automatically mirrors EU standards post-Brexit. |
Reverse osmosis
A membrane filtration process that removes up to 99% of contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane under pressure. Highly effective but produces some wastewater.
Ion exchange
Replaces unwanted ions (such as nitrate or lead) with harmless ones using resin beads. Effective and widely used in both whole-house and point-of-use systems.
Activated carbon
Porous carbon material (from charcoal or coconut shell) that adsorbs contaminants as water passes through. Best for organic compounds and some heavy metals.
Want to know the Copper levels in your water? Enter your postcode to get a free report for your area.