**Taos Tap: Altitude Lies About Copper's Harm?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 20, 2026

That rusty tinge in your Taos tap water isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a question mark hanging over your health. Many Taoseños worry about the “Taos Tap,” that local water flowing through the town’s aging copper pipes, and whether it’s leaching dangerous levels of copper into their drinking supply, especially given the town’s high altitude. Let’s dive deep into the science, the risks, and, most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself and your family.

Copper is essential for human health. It plays a vital role in enzyme function, iron metabolism, and nerve health. However, too much copper can lead to copper toxicity, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, liver damage and kidney failure. The EPA sets a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for copper in drinking water at 1.3 parts per million (ppm). This is not a legally enforceable standard, but a health goal. The EPA also sets an Action Level for copper at 1.3 ppm. If copper levels exceed this at the tap in more than 10% of homes tested, water systems must take steps to control corrosion.

Taos’s aging infrastructure is the primary culprit. Many homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, still have copper pipes. Water, especially if it’s acidic, can corrode these pipes, releasing copper into the water supply. The water’s pH, temperature, and the length of time it sits in the pipes all influence the amount of copper leached.

Altitude can exacerbate the problem. At higher altitudes, water boils at a lower temperature. This can affect the water’s chemical properties and potentially increase its corrosivity. Furthermore, some studies suggest that altitude can affect how our bodies absorb and process certain minerals, including copper. While the direct link between altitude and copper absorption is still being researched, it’s a factor worth considering in Taos.

So, how do you know if your Taos tap water is safe? The first step is to test it. You can purchase a home water testing kit at most hardware stores or online retailers. Look for a kit that specifically tests for copper. Follow the instructions carefully, paying close attention to the sample collection procedure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to testing your Taos tap water for copper:

1. Purchase a certified copper testing kit. Make sure it’s designed for drinking water.
2. Choose a tap that is frequently used, preferably a kitchen or bathroom faucet.
3. Let the water run for at least 30 seconds to flush out any stagnant water in the pipes.
4. Collect the water sample in the container provided in the kit, following the instructions precisely.
5. Send the sample to the lab specified in the kit, or follow the instructions for at-home testing if applicable.
6. Carefully record the date, time, and location of the sample for your records.

Interpreting the results is crucial. If your test results show copper levels below 1.3 ppm, your water is generally considered safe according to EPA standards. However, if the levels are above 1.3 ppm, you should take action to mitigate the risk.

What can you do if your Taos tap water has high copper levels?

• Flush your pipes: Run the cold water tap for several minutes each morning before using the water for drinking or cooking. This will help to flush out any copper that has leached into the water overnight.
• Use cold water: Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water is more likely to leach copper from the pipes.
• Install a water filter: A point-of-use water filter certified to remove copper can effectively reduce copper levels in your drinking water. Look for filters that meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for copper reduction.
• Consider a whole-house filter: For more comprehensive protection, consider installing a whole-house water filter. This will filter all the water entering your home, reducing copper levels throughout your plumbing system.
• Replace your copper pipes: If your copper pipes are old and corroded, consider replacing them with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes, which are less likely to leach copper. This is a significant investment, but it can provide long-term peace of mind.
• Contact the Town of Taos Water Department: Report your findings to the local water department. They may be able to provide additional information or assistance.

Common mistakes developers face when dealing with water quality data include:

• Ignoring the pH level: Copper leaching is highly dependent on pH. Acidic water (low pH) is much more corrosive.
• Not accounting for water age: Stagnant water in pipes will have higher copper concentrations.
• Using inaccurate testing methods: Home test kits can vary in accuracy. Use a certified lab for the most reliable results.
• Misinterpreting EPA guidelines: The Action Level is not a health-based standard, but a trigger for water systems to take action.

I spoke with Maria Rodriguez, a local plumber in Taos for over 20 years. She stated, “We see a lot of older homes here with significant copper pipe corrosion. Regular flushing and sometimes even a simple filter can make a big difference. But for some homes, especially those with very old pipes, replacement is the only real solution.”

Dr. Emily Carter, a physician at Holy Cross Hospital in Taos, added, “While copper deficiency is more common than toxicity, we do see cases of elevated copper levels, especially in individuals with certain pre-existing conditions. Testing your water is a simple precaution that can help protect your health.”

Living in Taos offers unparalleled beauty and a unique lifestyle. Don’t let concerns about your water quality overshadow that. By understanding the potential risks of copper in your drinking water, taking proactive steps to test your water, and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies, you can ensure that your “Taos Tap” is safe and healthy for you and your family. Remember, knowledge is power, and a little vigilance can go a long way in protecting your well-being.