Microplastics in drinking water: what the science actually says

A University of Newcastle study, taken up by WWF in 2019, estimated that we ingest an average of 5 grams of microplastics per week — the equivalent of a credit card. Newer studies have since refined those figures, but the conclusion stands: microplastics are everywhere, including in water.

Where do they come from?

• Car tyre wear (the leading source in surface water)
• Washing synthetic clothing (fibres < 5 mm)
• Degradation of plastic packaging
• PET bottles: direct release during storage and exposure to heat

Bottled water contains more than tap water

A major study published in PNAS in 2024 (Columbia University) detected an average of 240,000 plastic particles per litre of bottled water — 10 to 100 times more than previously estimated. Tap water contains considerably less, though not zero.

Current recommendations

In its 2022 report, the WHO considers the health risks of microplastics in drinking water to be "low" at current levels, while calling for more research. The precautionary principle still applies.

Filtering reduces exposure

A 0.5 micron ceramic filter retains most visible microplastics and fragments larger than that size. Combined with activated carbon, it also traps some nanoplastics by adsorption. It is not a miracle cure, but it is a simple step that reduces daily exposure.