In humans, copper intake includes intake provided by
drinking water, food, and dietary supplements. Drinking
water generally is not included when dietary intakes
are measured. Publicwater supplies in the United
States and other countries probably do not contribute
much to copper intake (Klevay, 1980). Water supplies
or contamination of water between reservoir and mouth
may provide larger intakes. For example, Sharrett et al.
(1982) estimated an extra, daily intake of 1.3 to 2.2 mg
from tap water from a public utility.