For thousands of years, Ayurvedic medicine has recommended storing and drinking water in copper vessels to balance the body’s energies and promote overall health.
Known as “Ushapan” (water for healing), this ancient practice is now gaining attention in modern wellness circles—and science is beginning to back its benefits.
When pure water is stored in a clean copper container for 6–8 hours (or overnight), trace amounts of copper ions are naturally released into the water through a process called oligodynamic effect—where metals release ions that have antimicrobial properties.
The resulting copper-infused water contains safe, bioavailable levels of copper—well within the World Health Organization’s (WHO) acceptable limit of 2 mg per liter per day.
7 Science-Backed Benefits of Drinking Water from Copper
1. Natural Antimicrobial Action
Copper has powerful antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
Studies show that storing water in copper vessels can destroy common pathogens like:
- E. coli
- Salmonella typhi
- Staphylococcus aureus
A study published in the Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition found that storing contaminated water in copper pots eliminated harmful microbes within 16 hours—making it a potential tool for improving water safety in low-resource areas.