Houston Hydration: Is Tap Copper Crashing Lasers?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 11, 2026

The water cooler conversation in Houston is shifting from the Astros’ latest win to something far less celebratory: what’s actually in our tap water? Forget the bottled stuff for a minute. We’re talking about the water coming straight from the city pipes, the stuff we use to brew our morning coffee, cook our gumbo, and, yes, even brush our teeth. Is it safe? More specifically, are the copper levels within acceptable limits, and could that laser pointer your kid got for Christmas be acting up because of it? Let’s dive deep into the murky depths of Houston’s water supply.

The EPA sets the standards, but Houston’s aging infrastructure tells a different story.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for copper in drinking water at 1.3 parts per million (ppm). This isn’t just some arbitrary number; it’s based on extensive research into the potential health effects of copper exposure.

Houston, like many older cities, faces the challenge of aging water infrastructure. Many homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, still have copper pipes. As water flows through these pipes, especially if the water is slightly acidic, copper can leach into the water supply.

This leaching process is exacerbated by Houston’s unique soil composition, which can contribute to the corrosivity of the water.

So, what does this mean for you, the average Houstonian? It means that while the city’s water treatment plants might be meeting EPA standards at the source, the water flowing from your tap could have elevated copper levels.

The Copper Connection: More Than Just a Metallic Taste.

High copper levels in drinking water can lead to a range of health problems, from gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) to more serious issues like liver and kidney damage with prolonged exposure. Children are particularly vulnerable.

But the health risks are only part of the story. Copper, being a conductive metal, can also interfere with electronic devices.

That seemingly random malfunction of your kid’s laser pointer? It could be related to copper contamination in your household water supply.

Here’s how: if you’re using tap water to clean or maintain electronic devices, even in small amounts, the copper residue left behind can create conductive pathways, leading to short circuits or erratic behavior.

This is especially true for sensitive electronics like laser pointers, which rely on precise electrical currents to function correctly.

Think of it like this: you’re essentially introducing a tiny, invisible antenna into the device, disrupting its intended operation.

Houston, We Have a Problem (and a Solution).

So, you suspect your Houston tap water might be the culprit behind your electronic woes and potential health concerns. What can you do?

First, test your water. Don’t rely on anecdotal evidence or what your neighbor says. Get a professional water test.

You can purchase a DIY copper testing kit at most hardware stores, including Lowe’s and Home Depot in the Houston area. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but they often provide only a general indication of copper levels.

For a more accurate and comprehensive analysis, consider sending a water sample to a certified laboratory. Several labs in the Houston area offer water testing services, including those specializing in environmental testing.

• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Offers water testing services through its network of county extension offices.
• Pace Analytical Services: A national laboratory with a location in Houston, providing a wide range of environmental testing services.
• Eurofins Environment Testing: Another national laboratory with a Houston presence, offering comprehensive water analysis.

When choosing a lab, make sure it’s certified by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This ensures that the lab follows proper testing procedures and provides reliable results.

Once you have your test results, compare them to the EPA’s MCLG of 1.3 ppm for copper. If your water exceeds this level, it’s time to take action.

Mitigation Strategies: From Simple to Sophisticated.

If your water test reveals elevated copper levels, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to mitigate the problem.

1. Flush Your Pipes: The simplest and often most effective solution is to flush your pipes before using water for drinking or cooking. Run the cold water tap for 2-3 minutes, especially after periods of inactivity (e.g., overnight or after a vacation). This will help clear out any water that has been sitting in the pipes and potentially leaching copper.

2. Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water is more likely to leach copper from pipes.

3. Install a Water Filter: A point-of-use water filter certified to remove copper can significantly reduce copper levels in your drinking water. Look for filters that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for copper reduction.

   • Brita and PUR: These are common brands available at most grocery stores and retailers in Houston.
   • Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: These systems are more expensive but provide the most comprehensive filtration, removing a wide range of contaminants, including copper.

4. Consider a Whole-House Filter: For more comprehensive protection, consider installing a whole-house water filter. These filters are installed on the main water line entering your home and filter all the water used in your household.

5. Adjust Your Water’s pH: If your water is acidic (low pH), it can exacerbate copper leaching. You can install a neutralizing filter to raise the pH of your water and reduce its corrosivity.

6. Replace Copper Pipes: If the problem persists despite other mitigation efforts, consider replacing your copper pipes with alternative materials like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride). This is a more expensive option, but it can provide a long-term solution to copper contamination.

7. For Electronics: Use distilled water for cleaning sensitive electronics. Distilled water is free of minerals and contaminants, including copper, which can interfere with electronic components.

The Houston Factor: Why This Matters Here.

Houston’s unique combination of aging infrastructure, corrosive soil, and a large population makes it particularly vulnerable to copper contamination issues.

The city’s reliance on groundwater in some areas can also contribute to the problem, as groundwater can be naturally acidic and contain higher levels of minerals that promote corrosion.

Furthermore, Houston’s rapid growth and development have put a strain on the city’s water infrastructure, leading to increased water pressure and flow rates, which can further exacerbate copper leaching.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Take control of your water quality today. Test your water, implement mitigation strategies, and stay informed about the latest developments in Houston’s water infrastructure. Your health, and your laser pointer, will thank you for it.