In India, copper vessels are valued for their cultural, traditional, and health benefits. Believed to purify water due to copper's antimicrobial properties, Ayurveda suggests drinking water stored in copper promotes digestion, balances doshas, and enhances well-being
Published Dec 02, 2024 | 5:44 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 02, 2024 | 5:44 PM
Copper water
Indian-origin tech influencer and former Google engineer Debarghya (Deedy) Das, known for his insightful commentary on technology and societal issues, recently shared a concerning experience about being served water containing copper sulphate in Delhi. The water was reportedly offered in a Tata Copper water bottle, marketed as having “the goodness of copper.”
Deedy expressed his disapproval on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Was just served Copper Sulphate water ‘with the goodness of copper’ in Delhi. Turns out it’s extremely toxic and terrible for you (even though it’s 0.0004%). The only website that says otherwise is Tata Copper. Why not just have plain water? What the hell.”
In response to comments defending the safety of such water, he retorted: “To those in the comments saying ‘it’s perfectly safe,’ wtf? Do you want a perfectly safe amount of pee in your water? How about cyanide? Why do you want copper sulfate?”
Was just served Copper Sulphate water “with the goodness of copper” in Delhi.
Turns out it’s extremely toxic and terrible for you (even though it’s 0.0004%). The only website that says otherwise is Tata Copper.
Why not just have plain water? What the hell pic.twitter.com/t5T5YgLXRu
— Deedy (@deedydas) November 26, 2024
This raises the question: does copper in water pose health risks?
In India, copper vessels hold significant cultural, traditional, and health-related importance. These vessels, commonly used for storing water, cooking, and serving food, are believed to have purifying properties due to copper’s antimicrobial nature.
According to Ayurveda, drinking water stored in copper vessels is said to balance the body’s doshas, enhance digestion, and promote overall well-being.
Copper is also associated with the energy of the sun, symbolising warmth and vitality. Beyond their health benefits, copper vessels are deeply rooted in Indian customs and rituals, often used during religious ceremonies and festivals.
While the health claims lack strong scientific backing, the cultural significance ensures that copper vessels remain a staple in many Indian households, symbolising purity and wellness. Recognising this cultural connection, brands like Tata have capitalised on the concept by marketing their water brand, Tata Copper, aligning modern products with traditional values.
Copper in drinking water is subject to stringent regulatory limits worldwide to prevent toxicity while acknowledging its essential role in human health.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the permissible limit for copper in drinking water in India is 0.05 mg/L (50 µg/L) as per Indian Standard IS 10500-2012. In exceptional cases where no alternative source of water is available, this limit may be increased to 1.5 mg/L.
Internationally, the permissible levels vary, reflecting regional health guidelines and environmental factors:
Long-term exposure to elevated levels of copper can lead to copper toxicity, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in liver damage and kidney disease. Studies suggest that gastrointestinal symptoms can occur at copper concentrations as low as 4.0–6.0 mg/L. Vulnerable groups, including infants, children, and individuals with liver conditions like Wilson’s disease, are particularly susceptible to copper’s harmful effects.
Hyderabad based neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar emphasised that the amount of copper in Tata Copper water is too small to pose a toxicity risk. The maximum tolerable limit for adults is 10,000 mcg (10 mg) per day “to exceed this limit, one has to consume 17 litres of TATA Copper+ water (which is impossible),” said Dr Kumar on X..
He also highlighted copper’s essential role in the body, contributing to energy production, connective tissue and blood vessel formation, nervous and immune system maintenance, and brain development.
Regarding the content of copper in water, he explained that the water contains 0.06 mg of copper per 100 mL, amounting to 0.6 mg (600 mcg) per litre. For adults, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of copper is 900 mcg (0.9 mg) per day, which is typically met through a regular diet.
“Our diet is rich in copper. The richest dietary copper sources include shellfish, seeds and nuts, organ meats, wheat-bran cereals, whole-grain products, and chocolate,” he said.
Dr. Kumar noted that Tata Copper+ water is neither unhealthy nor toxic. However, it is unlikely to provide significant additional health benefits, as most individuals already meet their copper requirements through diet. He also recommended using copper, steel, or glass bottles for storing water over plastic or PET bottles for health and environmental reasons.
TATA Copper+ water
Tata has launched copper+ water as a “healthier” form of water (with goodness of copper). This post is to clarify certain doubts regarding this.
1. How much copper is there in this water?
0.06 mg per 100 mL, so 0.6 mg (600 mcg) in 1 L of water.
2. What is the… pic.twitter.com/OYMP1oSaLM— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) November 30, 2024
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
