FAQ Frequently asked questions about copper in drinking water

Copper is an important nutrient that the body needs to survive. However, in very high concentrations, it can cause stomach and intestinal problems, colic or liver damage, among other things.
According to the German Federal Environment Agency, there is no health risk as long as the limit value of 2 mg/l copper in drinking water is not exceeded. This also applies to the health of infants and children.

Copper pipes may only be used if the drinking water quality permits. This is the case in Bremen, as Bremen's drinking water does not have a corrosive (destructive) effect on copper. Only newly installed copper pipes may release copper into the drinking water during the first few months, as a protective layer has not yet formed in the copper pipe. This protective layer ensures that no more copper can be released from the pipe material.
A small series of tests carried out by the health authorities has shown, for example, that the copper concentration in drinking water did not exceed 2 mg/l even in newly installed copper pipes. The limit value was therefore observed with in every test.

If you want to ensure that the water is free of higher copper concentrations, you can let the water run for a short time before using it to cook baby food. This helps to remove any copper that may have entered the water in the first few weeks after the pipes were installed.

You can have your drinking water tested for copper in a laboratory. You find a list of approved laboratories in Bremen: Drinking water testing centres (pdf, 140.6 KB).