COPPER WATER PIPES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21296, 24 September 1932, Page 14

COPPER WATER PIPES

Sir, —I have just read that the Auckland City Council intends to permit the use of copper water pipes. Surely our city fathers are not aware that some time ago scientists discovered that wheat, lupins and tho seeds of other plants did not shoot roots in distilled water which had been boiled and condensed in copper vessels, while all seeds in water distilled in glass vessels sprouted soon and vigorously. Silver, tin and lead also did not show any detrimental effect, while copper immediately stopped the growth of the seeds. When copper coins were put in a glass cylinder filledojvith 'water destined for the examination of plants the injurious influence was noticed even after the coins had been removed, and fresh distilled water used. As copper is so destructive of plant life, would it not be as well before the council adopts the engineer's suggestions re copper pipes to obtain the : opinions of scientists. It is bad enough to use chloride of lime in excess; but to further devitalise the system by an ignorant use of copper surely needs great cau- ! tion. Doctors admit that digestive troubles are on the increase, a.'.:d this latest move of the city councillors is not likely to produce vigorous manhood. Geo. F. Henry.