Why is My Water Blue-Green?

Well, if the water is inside a glass, perhaps it’s been treated to a healthy dose of food coloring or a combination of blueberries and lime.

But neither such occurrence is particularly probable.

Instead, blue-green water pouring from your tap, shower or toilet tells you your well water has higher than acceptable levels of copper which, in turn, is the result of internal copper pipe corrosion.

Other than pipe corrosion and water discoloration, what else can you expect from too much copper? For starters, you can expect certain health issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and an elevated risk of liver problems and kidney disease.

So, for all the right reasons, you’ll want to treat the problem vs. letting it go unattended. But first, let’s address the question…

Why Are My Copper Pipes Corroding?

As pipes corrode, copper dissolves into the water that’s transported into your home giving it that blueish-greenish tint.

On average, copper piping should last up to 25 years. But that doesn’t mean internal corrosion can’t start sooner. It can, and here are the most likely causes:

• pH imbalance — If the water pH levels are less than 7.0 and greater than 8.5, the water is more likely to corrode copper pipes. This can easily be tested.
• High concentration of other chemicals/organisms in the water (like dissolved oxygen, salts, and bacteria).
• Sand, sediment, and grit scraping against the pipe.
• High water velocity, which wears down the inner lining of the pipe through water turbulence.

Does Your Water Have Too Much Copper?

So, you already see the blue-green water but you’re still not sure if an overload of copper is the problem. That’s easy: have your water tested, and the water quality professionals at Best Choice are just the people to get the job done…correctly and in timely fashion.

According to the World Health Organization, the maximum level of copper should not exceed 2.0 milligrams per liter. But even levels above 1.0 milligrams per liter can cause health and plumbing issues. Not just health issues, keep in mind. But internal pipe corrosion – as you’ve already seen – plus blue green staining in your toilet, tub, and sinks.

If you’re concerned about your home water supply for any reason, contact Best Choice Plumbers today to schedule a professional water quality test.