Publications

Q & A with Hastings Utilities on Proposed Limits on Copper in Nebraska's Drinking Water

Copper Applications in Health & Environment

October 1998

By Dale Peters

EPA officials, Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., Rep. Bill Barret, R-Neb., and representatives of communities in Nebraska held a meeting hosted by the Nebraska League of Municipalities at the Hastings Utilities building in August to discuss problems with complying with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule (see Nebraska Calls for Changes in Proposed Limits on Copper in Nebraska's Drinking Water). Innovations interviewed Marvin Schultes, Manager Hastings Utilities for Hastings' views of the situation.

Innovations: Do you believe the current level of copper in Nebraska's drinking water presents a threat to the health of its citizens?

Schultes: No. Many communities throughout Nebraska, including Hastings, believe that no health risks are associated with the concentrations of copper present in water samples taken in conjunction with the EPA's Copper Rule. Although Hastings Utilities cannot speak for any other community, we believe that there is absolutely no health threat to our water customers from exposure to copper.

Innovations: What has prompted the concern about copper?

Schultes: Its inclusion along with lead exposure limits in regulations developed by the EPA. Science has established health related problems caused by lead. Local samples are well below the guidelines established for exposure to lead. Many state health departments, and communities alike, believe that the rules for copper exposure in drinking water lack any credible scientific evidence. The copper limits, which require mandatory water treatment if exceeded, are the reason that so many communities have taken issue with the copper portion of the Lead and Copper Rule.

Innovations: Do you believe the proposed federal limits for copper in drinking water in Nebraska are appropriate?

Schultes: No. As stated previously, the science on which the copper portion of the rule is based is weak. An unpublished preliminary study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concluded that the water in Hastings, and in Nebraska as a whole, is safe with respect to copper. The source water for local supplies is pure. To begin treating local drinking water based on the present requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule would be unnecessary and unwise.

Innovations: How would you like to see the regulations changed?

Schultes: It is essential whenever regulations with wide reaching effects are proposed, that significant peer reviewed investigations be done prior to the regulations becoming effective. Many believe that this is not the case with the copper portion of the rule.

Innovations How great a burden to your community would it be to reduce copper levels to the EPA limits?

Schultes: A tremendous burden. Most importantly, local citizens believe that the quality of their drinking water would be compromised if treatment were to begin. Additionally, many believe that it would be an extremely unwise expenditure of public monies, for a "problem" that does not exist. Initial expense to install treatment equipment at the 28 sites of local wells, would be $1 million. Annual expenses thereafter are estimated at $250,000. Given the Water Department annual revenues, local rates would rise by 10 to 20 percent due to those costs.

Innovations: When is your next meeting with the EPA? What do you hope to accomplish?

Schultes: No direct meetings between Hastings Utilities and the EPA are currently scheduled. However, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska League of Municipalities, and representatives from the Nebraska congressional delegation continue to meet with EPA in an effort to encourage accurate scientific justification for the copper action limits.

Contact:

Dale Peters
Vice President
Copper Development Association Inc.

The Latest News

Copper-based Solar Cells:
Good for the Environment, Good for the Consumer
Copper has long been used in solar heating/hot water systems, where it is commonly used in heat exchangers. Now, it promises to become equally valuable in photovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems produce electricity through the action of sunshine on certain semiconductors, including so-called thin-film materials and the currently most promising material: copper indium gallium diselenide or CIGS.

The Presidential Dollars
Golden Collectibles or the Next Coin of the Realm? The U.S. Mint is betting it’s got it right this time. The Mint placed into circulation the first of its new golden dollar coins featuring, for the initial issue, George Washington.

High Strength Copper Steel for Rail Tank Cars to Bridges
This paper shows that the new Copper Steel has advantages over steel presently used in railroad tank cars. The higher strength leads to weight saving; higher impact fracture toughness mitigates against brittle failure particularly at low temperatures. An update of recently completed bridge using the Cu Steel is also provided.

Helpful Hints

Innovations covers technological changes involving copper.

Articles are archived by subject area (see Topics Archives on the left) and by year of publication (see Yearly Archives on the left). You can also search all of the Copper Development Association's Web site by using Search on top right of every page.

If you have articles covering copper technology that you would like to suggest for inclusion here, please send your suggestions to Editors, CDA Innovations.