Microplastics

Category: organic

Written by WaterFilterMatch Editorial TeamApril 2026

EPA MCL

Not regulated

Status

Unregulated

NSF Standard

No specific NSF standard yet

Health Effects

Emerging area of research. Potential concerns include inflammation, oxidative stress, and toxicity from the plastic particles themselves and from chemical additives/contaminants they carry. Long-term health effects in humans are not yet fully understood.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

Where It Comes From

Tiny plastic fragments (<5 mm) from degradation of larger plastics, synthetic textiles (washing), tire wear, personal care products, and industrial processes. Enter water from wastewater treatment plant effluent, stormwater runoff, and atmospheric deposition.

Where It's Commonly Found

Detected in tap water, bottled water, surface water, and groundwater worldwide. Studies have found microplastics in over 80% of tap water samples tested globally. Both public water systems and bottled water contain them.

Currently unregulated. EPA added microplastics as a contaminant group to the draft CCL 6 in April 2026. Federal regulations likely years away. HHS launched a $144M research initiative (STOMP) to develop measurement tools.