[1rarebird]

The acidity of drinking water can play a role in leaching copper from copper pipes and tubing used in modern plumbing. The EPA has set limits on the amount of copper and many other metals that are distributed by public water systems in the US. The agency also requires the operators of the public systems to monitor the acidity of the water distributed to the public, and if there is is too much acidity, steps must be taken to lower it to acceptable levels to prevent the leaching of copper and other metals from the pipes before the consumer drinks the water. However, many people in rural areas get their water from private wells and probably don't monitor the water for metals and acidity characteristics. In light of the findings in these studies, it probably would be a good idea to have tests done on the private well water systems so that corrective steps can be taken if needed.
bird