Exceeds EPA Limit Copper EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Copper in Mammoth Lakes, CA Drinking Water

Copper data for Mammoth Lakes, California · 8,979 residents · 1 ZIP code

Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Mammoth Lakes, California, that tracking has turned up Copper — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.

1.4 ppb
Max Level Detected
1.4 ppb
Average Level
1.3 mg/L (action level)
EPA action level
Moderate
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Copper in Mammoth Lakes Tap Water

Copper has been detected in Mammoth Lakes, California drinking water at a maximum level of 1.4 ppb — below the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L (action level).

This analysis covers 8,979 residents across 1 ZIP code in Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes's overall water quality grade is B (83/100).

Is Copper in Mammoth Lakes Water Safe?

Copper levels in parts of Mammoth Lakes exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

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
93546 1.4 ppm 1.3 mg/L (action level) OK

Average copper level across Mammoth Lakes: 1.4 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 Mammoth Lakes Water

  1. Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
  2. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
  3. If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
  4. Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.

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