Some households in Pottawatomie County report noticing unusual tastes or staining at faucets and fixtures, which can suggest the presence of metals like copper in their water. While such observations can prompt concern, identifying the specific cause requires careful assessment beyond surface symptoms.
How Copper Enters Groundwater in Pottawatomie County
U.S. Geological Survey sampling of the 310WLNG aquifer in this area, conducted from August 2011 through May 2013, found copper in groundwater from 8 of 24 deep wells (ranging 80 to 320 feet). Concentrations ranged from 0.51 to 21.6 micrograms per liter (ug/L), with a median of 1.5 ug/L. These findings reflect natural geological sources and possible minor influence from human activities affecting the aquifer. No sampled well showed copper levels above federal thresholds, indicating that detected copper is within federally accepted ranges for drinking water.
Evaluating Treatment Capacity Relative to Household Water Use
Determining the right heavy metals treatment requires knowledge of your household's typical daily water consumption. The amount of water processed by treatment equipment must align with this usage to maintain effectiveness. For most residential needs, heavy metals filtration systems designed for point-of-entry use can accommodate average flow rates, but matching the system's capacity to your usage patterns is essential for best results.
Seasonal and Multi-Year Variation in Copper Concentrations
The USGS sampling spanned nearly two years, during which copper was detected intermittently and always below regulatory limits. This pattern suggests that copper levels in the aquifer fluctuate over time but remain relatively low. Seasonal changes in groundwater chemistry, rainfall, and aquifer recharge can influence dissolved metal levels. Continuous monitoring or periodic testing of household water is recommended to understand current conditions more precisely.
Distinguishing Copper Issues from Hardness or Iron Problems
Copper presence may be mistaken for other common water quality concerns such as hardness or iron, which also cause staining or taste changes. Unlike hardness minerals, which primarily affect water softness, copper can cause a metallic taste or greenish-blue staining on plumbing fixtures. Iron typically causes reddish or brownish discoloration. Accurate testing is needed to differentiate copper as the cause.
The Influence of Plumbing Material and Age on Copper Levels
Plumbing components can contribute to copper in household water regardless of the source water's content. Older copper pipes or brass fittings may release copper ions into water due to corrosion, especially if water chemistry is slightly acidic or corrosive. Therefore, testing water both at the source and after the household plumbing is crucial for understanding where copper originates and to tailor treatment accordingly.
In summary, copper detected by regional sampling in the 310WLNG aquifer of Pottawatomie County stays below federal limits but can vary seasonally. Differentiating copper presence from plumbing contributions and other water issues is key. To address detected heavy metals effectively, the Autotrol Heavy Metals Filter ships ready to configure and can be matched to household water use, helping manage copper and similar metals when confirmed by testing.
Where this information comes from
Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2013-05-01. 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 310WLNG aquifer (Pottawatomie County): 24 results from 24 wells, median 1.5 ug/L, range 0.51-21.6 ug/L; none above any federal threshold
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