Is Copper Wire a Green Wire?

Copper organizations are making efforts to promote the use of copper wire worldwide. They bring together innovations and researches to explore every domain and market wherein copper can find its usage and can make a positive contribution to society’s sustainable development goals.

As a part of this campaign, they are also aiming at spreading awareness of the advantages of using copper wire and how its application minimizes environmental degradation. One of the most addressed and talked about a topic related to the environment is the burgeoning water crisis. Using copper alternatives is one of the solutions to the depleting water quality and efficient water. Copper finds its place in every quality you would name in a viable solution to this long persisting water crisis problem. Qualities like corrosion-resistant, durable, reliable, long-lasting, etc. that are imperative for construction of water pipe infrastructure, copper has it all. 

Currently, lead usage is more evident in the field of water pipes. Lead has been present in water since the invention of plumbing. But the fact that lead is poisonous cannot be a thing that can be ignored. Though lead is a naturally occurring element, chronic lead poisoning makes it not at all relevant for water supplies. Hence, copper wire is finding its way in the water supply industry as copper is already an interim part of water chemically. Also, the absorption of copper is essential for human health. Though excessive absorption of copper also leads to some repercussions those are not as grave as would happen through lead or any other poisonous element. Therefore, copper is the replacement of lead. 

Many types of research have come up with a new and cheaper alternative to copper but they were not as righteous as copper. But when it comes to piping material, copper has proved itself by sustaining in the field for more than 2500 years. Nowadays, lead-free service line installations flameless, solderless copper piping systems.

The naturally occurring phenomena of copper make it very common to spread throughout the environment. The application of copper in the water treatment and its supply is justifiable environment wise. But excessive copper use in fields like mining, metal production, wood production, etc. makes its percentage in the environment not natural anymore. As excursiveness of any material leads to destruction. 

But using copper wire in many of our day to day humdrum is beneficial. Most of the copper compounds will settle and be bound to either water sediment or soil particles. Hence, a little bit of regulation in the release of water-soluble compounds through application in agriculture. 

Copper released through corrosion in our drinking water leads to more exposure to copper for the people using copper plumbing. But exposure to copper is not hazardous to a great extent. But one should make sure to fix it as soon as possible. As long-term exposure to copper leads to irritation of the nose, mouth, and eyes. In some scenarios when the exposure is at an extreme level, it leads to a disease named metal fever. 

Hence, it can be concluded that copper wires are a better alternative for water plumbing solutions until any better and less corrosive metal is discovered.