A Cluster of Cases of Abdominal Pain Possibly Associated with High Copper Levels in a Private Water Supply

This paper reports on an outbreak of abdominal pain and vomiting in 12 people who worked on a small industrial estate in rural Cheshire (in the United Kingdom). Investigations at the time were unable to identify the cause, although it was noted that the private water supply was poorly managed. Some weeks later, blue crystals were noted precipitating out of a routine water sample. Analysis of the sample gave a copper concentration of 45,110 μg/L. The symptoms complained of in the outbreak cases were compatible with copper poisoning. Further investigations showed that episodes of blue discoloration of the drinking water had occurred in the past. Furthermore, copper pipes in the distribution system showed evidence of internal corrosion.