What is the blue/green stain in my bathtub?
Blue/green stains on shower curtains and bathtubs are very common in the Lower Mainland. The stain comes from a reaction between Vancouver’s soft water and copper piping, commonly found in household plumbing. When the water sits stagnant for extended periods, the copper pipes can corrode, releasing small amounts of dissolved copper into the water. This copper binds with the soap residue in your bath and produces a stain. The stain can easily be removed with a household cleaner. Lowering the temperature of the hot water can help reduce the staining problem and save money on your heating bill. Copper concentrations found in the water distribution system is not a health concern. Health Canada has set an aesthetic objective of <1.0 mg/L of copper in drinking water, and the City of Vancouver tests metals concentrations semi annually against Health Canada's guidelines with good results. By letting the tap run for 15 to 30 seconds before use, ensures your water will meet the Health Canada aes
