The United States Environmental Protection Agency has registered copper as the only metal class that continuously kills unwanted organisms and yeasts. In a process called the oligodynamic effect, copper ions dissolve into water and destroy unwanted organisms when it is stored overnight. Copper bottles and containers are becoming increasingly popular for storing drinking water. This trend is widely supported by Ayurveda, a holistic Indian medicine system.

A study by the University of South Carolina reported that copper killed 97% of unwanted organisms in ICUs, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections by 40%. Antimicrobial copper-alloy touch surfaces, On February 29, 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the registrations of five different groups of copper alloys as "antimicrobial materials" with public health benefits.
"EPA registers copper-containing alloy products". May 2008. Archived from the original on July 14, 2008.

• Copper utensils are believed to have spiritual and health significance due to their unique properties.
• Copper is considered a sacred metal in many cultures and is associated with various healing properties.
• Drinking water stored in copper utensils is believed to have purifying effects and can help balance the body's doshas (energetic forces).
• Additionally, copper has antimicrobial properties that can prevent the growth of harmful unwanted organisms. These beliefs have led to the use of copper utensils in Ayurveda and other traditional healing practices.