Montville neighborhood warned of copper in water

MONTVILLE, Conn. (WTNH) -- A warning to people who live in one Montville neighborhood about what's in their drinking water. The water company says there is too much copper in it and actions are underway to correct this.

More than 400 homes and businesses in Montville Manor have been put on notice, higher levels of copper found in the water, 1.54 mg per liter or parts per million. The EPA action level is 1.3.

Katie Schneider got this filter right after she got the Southeastern Connecticut Water District's notice.

"I was concerned about the copper in the water so it filters out all the copper in the drinking water," said Schneider.

"Is it safe at these levels for someone to drink this water," asked News 8's Tina Detelj.

"The water is safe to drink," said Gregory Leonard of Southeastern Connecticut Water District.

Still Gregory Leonard says folks with copper related ailments like Wilson's Disease should contact their doctor.

There are some things you can do to keep those levels lower. First of all use cold water only if you are going to drink it. That means don't try to take a short cut and use warm water to make hot tea or baby formula because it is in warm water that there are more minerals and copper. Basically just use cold water and heat it up.

"Oh really? I had no idea that's good advice," said Schneider.

Copper concerns include some gastrointestinal problems. The water district has raised the pH level to bring down the copper level.

"I'm just concerned for how long it's going to be going on continuing. I'm glad they sent out a notice," said Schneider.

Gregory Leonard says the higher levels of copper were seen in 2012. He doesn't expect to see them again in 2013 when the levels are calculated in June.