Are Microplastics in Your City Water? What the Research Shows and How to Filter Them
Microplastics are everywhere. They're in the ocean, in the food we eat, and increasingly, in the water we drink. As global concerns rise about the impact of microplastics on human health and the environment, a growing body of research is uncovering just how prevalent these particles are in city water supplies.
But what does that mean for you and your family? And more importantly, how can you protect your home from these invisible contaminants?
What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter, defined by their size range. Particle size is important for understanding their behavior, mobility, and potential health effects. Microbeads, which are often used in personal care products, are considered microplastics and are a subset of this category.
Primary microplastics: These are manufactured small, such as microbeads in cosmetics or pellets used in plastic production.
Secondary microplastics: These are tiny pieces resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic materials and plastic products, like bottles and bags, through weathering, UV exposure, and abrasion.
How Do Microplastics Get into City Water?
Microplastics enter water systems through:
- Runoff from plastic waste in landfills and streets
- Synthetic fibers shed during laundry
- Industrial effluents
- Wastewater treatment plants, which often lack the technology to filter out tiny particles
- Atmospheric deposition, where microplastics settle from the air into water supplies
Are Microplastics Found in Tap Water?
Yes. According to research from Orb Media, over 80% of tap water samples from five continents contained microplastic fibers. This includes treated municipal water in major cities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also called for further research into the potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure in drinking water.
Potential Health Effects of Microplastics
While definitive long-term human health studies are still underway, early findings suggest:
- Chemical leaching: Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and heavy metals.
- Cellular disruption: Some studies show that microplastics may disrupt cell membranes and functions.
- Bioaccumulation: Persistent exposure may lead to accumulation in human tissues.
Human exposure to microplastics can occur through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The chemical composition and polymer types of microplastics, such as PET and PVC, can influence their toxicity. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other persistent pollutants can accumulate on microplastics, increasing their toxic effects.
More studies are needed, but the preliminary data is concerning enough to warrant precautionary measures.
Why City Water Treatment May Not Be Enough
Conventional water treatment plants are designed to remove biological contaminants and larger particulates. They are not optimized to filter particles as small as microplastics. According to a study by the University of Minnesota, most municipal plants can only capture larger microplastic particles, missing a significant percentage.
Solutions: How to Remove Microplastics from Your Water
Reverse Osmosis (RO): The Gold Standard
Reverse Osmosis systems use a semi-permeable membrane that effectively removes particles as small as 0.0001 microns, including microplastics.
Best for: Drinking and cooking water
Product link: Clean Water Store Reverse Osmosis Systems
Ultra Filtration (UF): A Whole-House Option
Ultrafiltration systems remove particles down to 0.01 microns and are suitable for treating all the water entering your home.
Best for: Whole-house protection
Product link: Clean Water Store Ultra Filtration Systems
Activated Carbon Filters
While not as effective alone, they can be useful in combination with other systems to remove organic contaminants and improve taste.
Bottled Water vs. Filtered Tap Water
Don’t assume bottled water is safer. People who drink bottled water may be exposed to higher levels of microplastics. A 2018 study by Orb Media found that 93% of bottled water samples contained microplastics, sometimes in even higher concentrations than tap water.
Microplastic contamination has been detected in both plastic bottles and glass bottles, with plastic bottles—often made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—showing particularly high levels of microplastics.
Filter Ratings: What Micron Size is Needed?
Filters must be rated at 1 micron or smaller to effectively capture most microplastic particles. Reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration systems meet this criterion.
Microplastics in Bottled Water
Multiple studies have confirmed microplastic contamination in bottled water, raising concerns about the plastic bottle and the source water. Microplastics in bottled water can originate from the breakdown of plastic products used in packaging and bottling.
Brands using poor-quality plastic containers may leach even more microplastics over time. Additionally, persistent organic compounds (PFAS) can also be present in bottled water, adhering to microplastic particles and posing additional health risks.
Microplastics and the Environment
Microplastics don’t just affect human health. They disrupt aquatic ecosystems, enter the food chain, and persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Environmental science studies the impact of microplastics on ecosystems and provides insights into how they move through water and food systems.
Reducing your plastic use and investing in home filtration helps reduce your environmental impact. In hard water areas, boiling water can lead to the formation of a chalky substance—calcium carbonate—with crystalline structures. These mineral deposits may act as natural filters, trapping microplastic particles and helping to purify drinking water.
Reducing Microplastic Exposure at Home
- Use a high-quality RO or UF filtration system.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics or wash them in a special bag designed to catch loose fibers.
- Reduce single-use plastics.
- Choose glass or stainless steel over plastic containers.
- Conclusion: Take Action Today
The science may still be catching up, but the presence of microplastics in city water is clear. Taking proactive steps now can reduce your exposure and protect your family's health. By investing in reliable water filtration solutions like Reverse Osmosis or Ultrafiltration, you can ensure safer, cleaner water in your home.
Critical Review: What We Know and What We Don’t
A critical review of current research reveals that while we have made strides in understanding microplastics in drinking water, many questions remain unanswered. It is clear that microplastics are present in both tap water and bottled water around the world, originating from sources such as plastic debris, synthetic polymer contamination, and wastewater treatment plants. However, only a few studies have thoroughly examined the full range of microplastic particles, especially the smallest particles that may pose unique risks.
The health effects of ingesting microplastics are still not fully understood. While some research suggests potential risks, including chemical exposure and cellular disruption, more comprehensive studies are needed to determine the long-term impact on human health. The World Health Organization has emphasized the need for further investigation into microplastic pollution in drinking water, particularly regarding the effects of chronic exposure and the ability of current treatment plants to remove these particles.
As research continues, it is important to recognize the limitations of existing studies and the need for more data on the presence and effects of microplastics in our water supplies. Understanding these gaps will help guide future efforts to protect public health and improve water treatment processes.
Future Research: Where Science is Headed
The future of microplastics research is focused on closing the knowledge gaps and developing better solutions to protect drinking water and human health. Scientists are working to improve detection methods for microplastics, using advanced technologies like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman microscopy to identify even the smallest particles in water samples. These tools will help researchers more accurately assess the extent of microplastic contamination in both tap water and bottled water.
Another key area of research is understanding the health effects of ingesting microplastics, including how these tiny particles and their chemical additives interact with the human body. Studies will also explore how microplastics enter water supplies, examining the roles of wastewater treatment plants, surface runoff, and plastic debris in contributing to microplastic pollution.
Additionally, researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of various filtration methods, from household coffee filters to advanced water treatment technologies, in removing microplastics from drinking water. By advancing our understanding in these areas, future research will help develop strategies to reduce microplastic pollution and minimize its impact on human health.
The Path Forward on Microplastic Pollution
Addressing microplastic pollution in drinking water requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Reducing plastic waste, improving wastewater treatment, and embracing alternatives to single-use plastics are essential steps in minimizing the presence of microplastics in our water supplies. Continued research is vital to fully understand the health effects of microplastic ingestion and to develop effective removal technologies.
Individuals can make a difference by choosing reusable products, supporting recycling efforts, and reducing their reliance on plastics. At the same time, governments and companies must prioritize policies that limit plastic pollution and invest in sustainable solutions.
By working together and staying informed, we can protect human health, ensure cleaner drinking water, and create a healthier environment for future generations. The path forward involves both immediate action and long-term commitment to reducing plastic pollution and its impact on our world.
Resources:
- World Health Organization. (2019). Microplastics in drinking-water. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241516198
- United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Trash-Free Waters: Microplastics and other pollutants. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are microplastics in city water?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that can enter city water supplies through industrial runoff, wastewater, and degrading plastic waste.
2. Are microplastics found in tap water?
Yes, studies have found microplastics in tap water samples around the world, including in treated city water.
3. How do microplastics get into city water systems?
They enter through sources like synthetic clothing fibers, plastic packaging waste, industrial processes, and even tire particles that wash into drains and water supplies.
4. Can microplastics harm your health?
The long-term health effects are still being studied, but early research suggests microplastics may carry toxic chemicals and disrupt human cells when consumed over time.
5. Can city water treatment plants remove microplastics?
Most conventional treatment plants aren’t designed to fully remove microplastics, although some advanced systems can reduce larger particles.
6. How can I remove microplastics from my drinking water?
Use filtration systems like reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, or activated carbon filters that are rated to capture microplastic particles.
7. Are bottled waters free of microplastics?
Not necessarily—many bottled water brands have also tested positive for microplastic contamination.
8. What size filters remove microplastics?
Filters rated at 1 micron or smaller, such as reverse osmosis systems, are effective at capturing most microplastic particles.
9. Do microplastics affect the taste of tap water?
Microplastics typically don’t affect taste, but they may be present even if your water tastes fine.
10. Should I be worried about microplastics in my water?
While the full risks are still being researched, many people choose to filter their drinking water as a precaution against potential long-term exposure.
