If you've noticed a metallic taste in your tap water after your previous water treatment equipment stopped working, you may wonder if this is a common issue in Hennepin County. Government sampling provides insight into the presence of metals like copper in the local groundwater, but what does this mean for your home?
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Copper Levels from 2011 to 2016
The U.S. Geological Survey sampled 23 results from 20 wells across Hennepin County’s 112GSSG aquifer between 2011 and 2016. These wells were relatively shallow, from 9 to 29 feet deep. Over this period, copper was detected in 21 of the 23 samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.55 to 10.6 micrograms per liter (µg/L). The median value was 3.3 µg/L. This range reflects typical variation rather than any sudden spikes or declines in copper levels over this five-year period.
Understanding 'Detected,' 'Median,' and 'Range' in the Sampling Record
In this context, 'detected' means the sampling instruments measured copper levels above the reporting limit, but it does not indicate a regulatory violation or unsafe condition. 'Median' is the middle value when all measurements are ordered, offering a typical level for the area’s groundwater. The 'range' shows the lowest and highest concentrations found, demonstrating natural variation between wells. No sample from this area exceeded federal copper thresholds, indicating no documented safety concerns in these data.
What a Certified Laboratory Test for Copper Reports and How to Interpret It
To know your household’s water copper level precisely, you would need a certified laboratory analysis of a water sample from your own tap or well. Such a report typically lists the copper concentration in micrograms per liter (µg/L) or parts per billion (ppb). Comparing your lab result against federal standards helps determine if copper could be contributing to a metallic taste in your water. Note that copper presence alone does not define taste or safety without considering concentration and other water chemistry factors.
Consequences of Leaving Metallic Taste Untreated for Years
If the metallic taste is caused by metals like copper, allowing the issue to persist without addressing water quality may affect water enjoyment and household appliance condition over time. Copper can cause staining on fixtures and surfaces and alter water taste, which many find unpleasant. However, there is no health-based violation indicated by the government sampling in this region. Treatment using appropriate equipment can improve water taste and reduce metallic flavor if confirmed by testing.
How This Problem Differs from Other Common Water Taste Issues
Metallic taste is often confused with other water characteristics such as sulfur or chlorine taste. Unlike sulfur, which imparts a rotten egg odor, or chlorine which has a distinctive chemical smell, metallic taste is associated with metals like copper. While copper can be detected in the area’s groundwater, sulfur and chlorine usually come from different sources or treatment processes. Identifying the exact cause requires focused testing and analysis.
Given these factors, the single best step is to get a certified laboratory test of your home’s water specifically for copper and related metals. A clear measurement will help determine if the metallic taste is related to copper levels or if other causes need investigation. If copper is confirmed as a contributor, the Fleck Metallic-Tasting Water Filter ships ready to configure and can effectively reduce such tastes to improve your household water quality.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2016-09-08. 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 112GSSG aquifer (Hennepin County): 23 results from 20 wells, median 3.3 ug/L, range 0.55-10.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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