Copper in Durham, NC Drinking Water
Copper data for Durham, North Carolina · 323,759 residents · 16 ZIP codes
For residents of Durham, North Carolina, Copper has appeared in public water supply sampling data.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Durham Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Durham, North Carolina drinking water at a maximum level of 1694 ppb — 1.3x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 323,759 residents across 16 ZIP codes in Durham.
Durham's overall water quality grade is A (90/100).
Is Copper in Durham Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27701 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27702 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27703 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27704 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27705 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27706 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27707 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27708 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27709 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27710 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27711 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27712 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27713 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27715 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27717 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 27722 | 1694 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
Average copper level across Durham: 1694 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Durham Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.