Copper water is a traditional beverage where drinking water is stored in a pure copper vessel for several hours, allowing the metal to infuse the liquid. This practice, often referred to as Tamra Jal in Ayurveda, has seen a resurgence in modern wellness trends. People are drawn to copper water for its purported health benefits and the simple ritual it adds to a daily routine.
Defining Copper Water and Its Preparation
Copper water is prepared by storing regular drinking water in a pure copper vessel for an extended period. The vessel must be made of pure copper, avoiding alloys or interior linings, to allow the metal to interact directly with the water. The traditional method dictates that clean, room-temperature water should be poured into the vessel and left to sit, ideally overnight or for a minimum of six to eight hours, undisturbed. This prolonged contact time ensures that copper ions leach into the water before consumption.
The Science Behind Copper’s Effect on Water
The effect copper has on water is a result of the oligodynamic effect, which describes the biocidal action of heavy metal ions. When water is stored in a copper vessel, a small number of positively charged copper ions (Cu²⁺) are released into the liquid through a process called leaching. These ions exert an antimicrobial effect by targeting the negatively charged cell membranes of bacteria and other microbes. The ions disrupt the cell wall integrity and interfere with the enzymes and proteins inside the microorganism, preventing growth and causing cellular damage. Studies confirm that storing water in a copper vessel can significantly reduce or eliminate common waterborne pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella within hours.
Understanding Recommended Copper Intake and Toxicity
Copper is an essential trace mineral necessary for bodily functions, with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults set at 900 micrograms (µg) per day. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is 10,000 µg (10 milligrams) per day, as excessive intake can lead to toxicity, including gastrointestinal distress and liver damage. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets an Action Level for copper in public drinking water at 1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The rate at which copper leaches into the water is significantly influenced by factors such as the water’s pH level and the duration of storage. More acidic water and longer storage times increase the copper concentration, meaning the potential for exceeding safe consumption levels must be carefully considered.
Traditional Health Claims vs. Modern Evidence
The traditional Ayurvedic practice of Tamra Jal is associated with a wide array of systemic health benefits, including balancing energies, improving digestion, boosting immunity, and offering anti-inflammatory properties. Proponents also suggest the infused water supports collagen production and aids in iron absorption. While copper is a necessary nutrient, the specific health benefits attributed to regularly drinking copper-infused water are not widely supported by modern clinical trials. Most current scientific evidence focuses on the antimicrobial properties of copper, confirming its ability to purify water. There is a lack of robust human studies demonstrating that the small amount of copper leached into the water provides broad benefits beyond what is achieved through a standard, copper-sufficient diet.