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What does a laboratory test report typically show about copper in Queens County water?

A standard laboratory analysis of copper in water lists the concentration measured in micrograms per liter (ug/L). For Queens County’s aquifer 112GLCLU, U.S. Geological Survey data from samples collected between 2010 and 2018 show copper was detected in 65 out of 108 analyses from 47 wells, with values ranging from 0.82 to 205.0 ug/L. The median copper level was 5.5 ug/L. These figures represent area-wide conditions, not individual household water quality.

How do public water system records differ from private well tests in what they establish?

Public water systems regularly test for copper and report aggregate results reflecting large areas or water sources. These results do not specify the copper concentration of any one household’s water, especially for those using private wells. Homeowners must test their own water to know exact copper levels, as municipal or aquifer-wide data provide context but not definitive results for individual water supplies.

What does the measured copper range mean compared to federal standards, and what does it not mean?

The highest copper measurement in Queens County’s aquifer samples (205.0 ug/L) and the median (5.5 ug/L) both fall below federal action levels designed to protect health. Copper presence at these concentrations is not a violation or indication of unsafe water but may affect taste and plumbing. Detection simply means copper was measured, not that it is a problem or health risk at these levels.

How does copper enter groundwater and distribution systems in Queens County?

Copper can leach into groundwater through natural mineral deposits and corrosion of plumbing materials, especially in older infrastructure. Local geology and water chemistry influence copper levels in the aquifer and distribution systems across Queens County. These factors contribute to variability seen in sampled wells that range in depth from 23 to 265 feet.

How does copper concentration change over time in Queens County’s water supply?

The U.S. Geological Survey data collected from 2010 through 2018 show variability in copper measurements without a clear upward or downward trend. Seasonal changes and multi-year fluctuations can affect copper concentrations as groundwater conditions and water use patterns evolve. Household water quality might also reflect such temporal variation.

What factors affect copper levels for large households, second homes, or seasonal properties?

Larger households or properties with intermittent water use may notice changes in taste due to stagnation and metal leaching when water sits in pipes. Properties unused for extended periods can develop higher copper taste concerns when water is returned to use. Regular water testing is advisable to identify fluctuations tied to usage patterns.

How can the metallic taste be addressed in homes within Queens County?

To reduce metallic taste linked to copper, specialized filtration can be effective. The Pentair Metallic-Tasting Water Filter is designed to target and reduce metallic taste compounds, shipping ready to configure for household water systems. Considering local copper data and personal water tests can guide choosing this class of treatment.

This page reflects copper data sampled from 47 wells in Queens County’s aquifer 112GLCLU between 2010 and 2018. For details, see the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater sampling records at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/404138073535101/.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2018-08-08. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Copper in the 112GLCLU aquifer (Queens County): 108 results from 47 wells, median 5.5 ug/L, range 0.82-205.0 ug/L; none above any federal threshold