What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles — generally smaller than 5 millimeters — that have
broken off from larger plastic products or been manufactured at microscopic scale. They’re
invisible to the naked eye, odorless, and tasteless, which means you’d have no idea they were in
your water without testing.
Research has detected microplastics in tap water, well water, bottled water, rivers, and rainfall
across the United States and around the world — including right here in New York.
Where microplastics come from:
- Plastic bottles, containers, and packaging that break down over time
- Synthetic clothing fibers released during laundry (polyester, nylon, fleece)
- Plastic pipes and plumbing infrastructure that shed particles
- Agricultural runoff carrying plastic waste into groundwater and surface water
- Tire wear particles washed into waterways by rain
- Industrial discharge and manufacturing waste
Should You Be Concerned?
The short answer: yes, cautiously. Research on microplastics in drinking water is still developing,
but early findings have raised enough concern that the EPA and WHO are actively studying the
issue.
What we know so far:
- Microplastics have been found in human blood, lung tissue, and digestive systems in multiple studies
- Some plastics carry chemical additives — such as phthalates and bisphenols — that are known endocrine disruptors
- Microplastics can act as carriers for other contaminants, potentially delivering bacteria or heavy metals into the body
- Children and infants may face higher exposure relative to body weight
While the full picture isn’t complete, the trend of research is pointing toward
microplastics being a legitimate health concern — not just a news cycle. Reducing your exposure
now is a reasonable and achievable step.
Is Your Water Affected?
Whether you’re on municipal water or a private well, microplastics can be present.
- Municipal (city/town) water: Treatment plants are not specifically designed to filter microplastics. Standard filtration removes many particles but not the smallest plastic fragments or fibers.
- Well water: Private wells can be affected through surface runoff, soil infiltration, and plastic components in the well system itself.
There is no simple visual test — microplastics don’t change the color, smell, or taste of water.
Laboratory testing is the only way to confirm their presence.
How Do You Remove Microplastics from Drinking Water?
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most effective residential technology for removing microplastics
from drinking water. An RO system forces water through a semi-permeable membrane with
pores small enough to block plastic particles, along with many other contaminants of concern.
What a reverse osmosis system removes:
- Microplastics (including nano-sized particles)
- PFAS / "forever chemicals"
- Lead and heavy metals
- Nitrates and nitrites
- Chlorine, chloramines, and disinfection byproducts
- Arsenic
- Dissolved solids and sediment
Why RO is the right fit for microplastics:
- Membrane filtration physically blocks particles — no chemicals required
- Long-lasting filters with straightforward annual maintenance
- Installed at the point of use (under your kitchen sink) for clean drinking and cooking water
- Far more economical and environmentally responsible than bottled water long-term
Whole-Home Options
If you want protection at every tap — not just the kitchen — a whole-home filtration system with
appropriate pre-filtration and point-of-use RO provides the most comprehensive approach. We’ll assess your water and recommend what’s actually needed, not more than you require.
Not Sure What's in Your Water?
We offer free in-home water testing across Central and Eastern New York. One visit tells you
what you’re dealing with — and we’ll explain your options in plain language, with no pressure.
Microplastics FAQs
Do water filters remove microplastics?
It depends on the filter. Basic pitcher filters and standard faucet filters are not reliably effective against microplastics, especially nano-sized particles. Reverse osmosis systems with a semi-
permeable membrane provide the most consistent and thorough removal.
Does reverse osmosis remove microplastics?
Yes. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective methods for removing microplastics from
drinking water. The RO membrane has pores small enough to physically block plastic particles,
fibers, and many other contaminants. It is widely recommended by water quality experts for
homes concerned about microplastic exposure.
Are microplastics harmful in drinking water?
Research is ongoing, but studies have detected microplastics in human blood, organs, and tissue. Some plastic particles carry chemical additives that are known hormone disruptors. While regulatory guidance is still evolving, many health experts recommend reducing exposure as a
precautionary measure.
How do microplastics get into tap water?
Microplastics enter the water supply through multiple pathways: plastic breakdown in
waterways and soil, synthetic fiber runoff, aging plastic infrastructure, and industrial discharge.
Municipal treatment plants can remove some particles, but not all — particularly the smallest
fragments.
Is well water safe from microplastics?
Not necessarily. Well water can be affected by surface runoff, agricultural contamination, and
plastic components within the well system itself. Testing is the only reliable way to know what’s in your specific well.
Ready to Improve Your Business's Water Quality?
Contact Pure Water Source NY today to schedule a consultation. Our experts will assess your water quality and recommend a customized solution to address your unique water challenges. Don’t let water quality issues affect your business—trust us to provide the specialty solutions you need.