Are There Microplastics in Our Drinking Water?

Plastic pollution has become a growing global concern, and microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size—are now widespread in the environment. These particles, along with other plastic debris, have been detected in our food, the air we breathe, and in the water we drink—both tap and bottled. The big question: how do they get there? And what potential risks do they pose to human health? 

What Are Microplastics and How Do They Enter Drinking Water?

Microplastics are small fragments of plastic that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles, bags, and packaging materials—they can also come from synthetic textiles, personal care products, and industrial processes. Over time, exposure to sunlight, heat, and physical wear causes these plastics to fragment into smaller pieces. Unlike natural materials, plastic doesn’t decompose completely—it just keeps breaking down into tinier and tinier pieces. 

Once released into the environment, microplastics can make their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans through stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, and littering. From there, they can enter drinking water systems through surface water sources, groundwater contamination, or even during the bottling process. Because they are so small and widespread, microplastics have become increasingly difficult to filter out.

Are Microplastics in Drinking Water Harmful to Health?

Scientists are still working to understand the potential health risks and impacts of microplastics in drinking water. Some particles may pass through the body without issue, while smaller ones—often referred to as nanoplastics—can potentially be absorbed and remain in the body. While we haven’t reached definitive conclusions, emerging research raises concerns about possible effects linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption to the gut microbiome. It’s still unclear what the real-world implications are for human health because there simply isn’t enough research, and it’s also becoming more and more difficult to find plastic-free control groups for standard scientific processes. 

Are There Microplastics in Bottled Water?

While bottled water is often perceived to be cleaner than tap water, studies suggest this isn’t the case. Recent scientific investigations reveal alarming levels of microplastics in bottled water—significantly more than tap. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) developed a laser-imaging method that detected hundreds of thousands of plastic particles per liter, including nanoplastics—far more than previously measurable. A study by Penn State University analyzing global bottled water brands found an average of 325 microplastic particles per liter, compared to just 5.5 particles per liter in tap water. Long story short, opting for bottled water could significantly increase your exposure to microplastics.

Can Home Water Filters Remove Microplastics?

Some studies suggest that certain home water filters, including those using reverse osmosis or membrane technology, may help reduce the presence of microplastics in drinking water. A lab-based study found that activated carbon-based filters showed potential for microplastic removal under controlled conditions, though performance varied depending on the filter’s design and pore size. It also depends on how well you maintain it and how often you use it. 

How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics in Drinking Water?

While there’s still much to learn about microplastics and their long-term effects, there are a few practical steps you can take today to potentially reduce your exposure. First and perhaps easiest, limit your use of single-use plastics. From disposable water bottles to plastic baggies, there are so many sustainable and reusable plastic-free alternatives you can easily integrate into your everyday life.

You can also adopt a home water filtration system. Look for those that use reverse osmosis or activated carbon technology, as they may more effectively reduce microplastic particles from your tap water. No method is guaranteed to completely eliminate microplastics from your water, combining these practices is a great step toward minimizing potential exposure and supporting a more sustainable planet.

Sources:

Microplastic Removal from Drinking Water Using Point-of-Use Devices

Plastic particles in bottled water

Microplastics in Our Waters, an Unquestionable Concern