More testing planned after elevated copper levels found in Charlotte homes

CHARLOTTE - Testing of drinking water in five homes in the city that showed elevated levels of copper is prompting the state to test water in additional homes to determine the cause.

The elevated levels of copper were found in water samples taken in five of 20 homes tested for lead and copper levels between Aug. 21 and Sept. 12, Charlotte Director of Public Works Amy Gilson said.

The testing is routine, Gilson said, and it's likely that the elevated copper levels came from piping in those homes.

Gilson said testing done at the city's water facilities indicate the city's drinking water does not contain high copper levels.

"It's not in the drinking water," Gilson said.

The elevated copper levels were found at homes on North and South Sheldon streets, South Cochran Avenue, South Clinton Street and High Street, Gilson said.

The samples exceeded the maximum allowed copper level of 1.3 milligrams per liter, Gilson said, showing levels ranging from 1.56 milligrams per liter to 3.07 milligrams per liter.

Lynn Sutfin, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said officials received the test results this month.

"In many cases the source will be service lines, pipes or fixtures," Sutfin said in an email.

The state will test drinking water in the homes that showed elevated copper levels again by early December, Sutfin said. They will also test drinking water samples in additional homes in Charlotte, she said.

According to a press release issued by the Barry-Eaton District Health Department Wednesday, "While copper is a necessary element for human health, exposure to too much copper can negatively impact health. Drinking water with elevated levels of copper may cause upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps."

The health department suggests people at risk of elevated copper exposure through drinking water take precautions, including:

♦ If water has not been used for several hours, flushing a residence's pipes for about two minutes to reduce copper in your water.

♦ Avoiding drinking hot water from the tap. Hot water is more likely to contain high levels of copper.

♦ Opting to use a water filter.

♦ Not using water with high levels of copper to prepare powdered infant formula.

♦ Cleaning faucet aerators at least once every six months.

Some members of the community may be more at risk when exposed to elevated copper levels, including Infants under the age of one who use powdered infant formula, people with rare genetic diseases, according to the health department.

Charlotte is among six municipalities where drinking water test results this year have indicated elevated copper levels, Sutfin said. Others include Caledonia, Port of Call West Water Supply (South Haven), Copper Harbor, Greenfield Pointe Water System (Brighton, Livingston County), and Athens. 

"MDHHS will provide filters to formula fed infants that a physician has proscribe a filter due to a health indicator and the family cannot afford a filter at this time," Sutfin said.

Gilson said this isn't the first time routine testing of drinking water in Charlotte homes has shown elevated copper levels. Four homes showed elevated levels last year, she said.

More information about copper can be found on the City of Charlotte’s website at http://www.charlottemi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Copper-FAQ-Sheet.pdf.

For general water quality questions and information on water testing, contact BEDHD’s Environmental Health division at 541-2615. MDHHS is also able to respond to questions about copper exposure and health by calling 844-934-1315.

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Contact Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @GrecoatLSJ.

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