If you’ve spent any time on the internet lately, chances are you’ve spotted at least a few of them: Those glistening copper bottles that promise to make your water “healthier.” They’re trendy. Lots of wellness blogs advise leaving water out overnight in a copper vessel and drinking that first thing.
They claim that it eases digestion, kills germs, and even slows aging. Sounds good, right?
But is it really safe to be drinking copper water every day? Or is it just another health trend that’s not as simple as it sounds? Let’s tell you all about it in this article.
First, What Is Copper Water?
Copper water is just water kept in a copper vessel for a few hours or overnight. In the process, small quantities of copper dissolve into the water.
It’s not new. People have been doing that since time immemorial, particularly in various places across Asia. It’s viewed as a traditional way to enhance water quality and add trace minerals.
These days, it’s popular again. You could walk into any health store and find rows of shiny copper bottles to buy.
Why Do People Drink It?
Supporters tout all sorts of benefits:
- It can kill harmful bacteria.
- It helps with digestion.
- It improves skin health.
- It boosts the immune system.
These concepts arise from copper’s real role in our bodies. We do need copper. It is involved with the production of red blood cells and in keeping nerves healthy.
But there’s a hitch: we require just minuscule quantities. And too much copper isn’t healthy at all.
What Does Science Say?
Copper is necessary, in small doses. You get it naturally from food, such as nuts, seeds, grains, shellfish, and even tap water in some areas.
There is very limited scientific research on whether copper can give you significant health benefits.
It is true that copper surfaces can kill bacteria. Copper coatings are sometimes used in hospitals to reduce germs on door handles and counters. But keeping water in copper doesn’t ensure completely pure water. It helps, but it’s not magic.
Is It Safe to Drink Every Day?
Here’s the short answer: If you’re using a copper bottle responsibly, it is probably fine.
Leaving drinking water in a copper vessel overnight, for example, usually leaches very little copper. That minuscule amount is far beneath the safe daily limit recommended by health agencies.
But it’s worth bearing a few things in mind:
- Do not keep acidic drinks, like citrus water, in copper. Acid accelerates the leaching process and can send copper levels to unsafe highs.
- Do not let water linger in the bottle for days. Overnight is plenty.
- Keep your copper bottle clean to avoid buildup.
According to the World Health Organization, the safe upper limit for copper in drinking water is around 2 milligrams per liter. Most copper water that sits overnight meets this requirement.
Can You Have Too Much Copper?
Yes. That’s where the problem starts.
Ingesting too much copper can lead to nausea, stomach cramps, and, in severe cases, liver damage. It’s unusual for water alone, but that could occur if you go over the top.
Drinking gallons of copper water daily, or carrying around badly constructed, uncoated bottles that add too much copper, isn’t so intelligent.
If your home already has copper plumbing that leaches copper into your tap water, you might not need any extra at all.
Who Should Be Extra Careful?
Although moderate consumption is safe for most individuals, certain groups may want to exercise caution:
- Children: Their bodies handle minerals a little differently and may be more sensitive.
- Pregnant women: As always, anything beyond the ordinary — including supplements or changes — should be discussed with a doctor.
- Wilson’s Disease: They can’t process copper correctly and need to steer clear of it.
If you belong to one of these groups, talk to a healthcare practitioner first.
Tips for Using Copper Bottles Safely
Here are some practical tips if you decide to give copper water a try.
- Store only plain water. Don’t add lemon or juice.
- Only store it overnight.
- Wash the bottle with mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
- Look for greenish residue (that’s the oxidation). Clean it off—it’s not for drinking.
So, Why Do People Love It?
Part of it is tradition. In fact, in many cultures it is considered normal, even healthy, to cook in copper pots. It’s old-fashioned in the best sense.
It’s also about ritual. At night, filling your copper bottle; in the morning, pouring a cool glass — it’s a little mindful routine in a day that could be quite hectic.
Even if science doesn’t prove dramatic benefits, that calm, intentional practice has value.
What It Won’t Do
It’s no substitute for safe drinking water. If you already have dirty tap water, copper won’t magically fix that. You still have to filter or boil water of questionable quality.
It won’t cure diseases or take away wrinkles overnight, either. Don’t expect miracles.
Is It Worth Trying?
If you’re intrigued, try it out carefully — there’s no downside. It’s inexpensive and simple. Just don’t overdo it.
Think of it as a complement to a healthy lifestyle, not a substitute for one.
Final Thoughts
For the majority of healthy adults, drinking copper water once a day in the recommended amount is safe. It will add a little bit of a mineral you already need.
Just keep it sensible. The answer is, don’t drink gallons of it every day. Don’t use acidic drinks. Don’t assume it’s a cure-all.
As with so many ancient practices, copper water has its role. Used judiciously, it can be a component of a balanced, thoughtful routine — and nothing more, nothing less.
