Microplastics in Drinking Water: The Invisible Danger? Analysis, Origin, and How to Protect Your Water

The concern about water quality today extends beyond lead, nitrate, and legionella. A much-discussed, invisible problem has captured headlines: microplastics in drinking water. These tiny particles, smaller than five millimeters, mainly result from the breakdown of plastics, clothing, and packaging. Although international studies cannot yet conclusively assess the acute health risks of microplastics, it is certain that they are relentlessly entering our tap water via sewage treatment plants and the environment. Faced with this invisible presence, more and more consumers are asking whether their water is safe. Certainty about the actual contamination and the general purity of your water can only be obtained through a specialized water analysis.

What exactly are microplastics and where does the contamination come from?

The Definition: Primary vs. Secondary

To understand the dimension of the problem, it must first be clear what microplastics actually are: they are plastic particles reduced in size to less than five millimeters. A distinction is made here between two main categories. Primary microplastics are already produced in small form, as used, for example, in some cosmetics (peelings) or as industrial pellets for plastic production. However, the far greater and more complex contamination is represented by Secondary microplastics. These arise from the physical breakdown of larger plastic products – for example, through tire abrasion from traffic, the constant fibre abrasion when washing synthetic clothes, or the slow decomposition of packaging and plastic waste in the environment.

Entry Routes to the Household Piping

The path of these tiny particles into our drinking water is manifold. Sewage treatment plants play a central role here, as they can filter out a large part of the particles, but not all of them. The finest microplastics pass through the filter stages and enter rivers, lakes, and finally the groundwater with the treated wastewater. Furthermore, particles are introduced directly into spring water areas and water reservoirs through precipitation and surface water. Once the microplastics are in the water bodies, they can reach the household piping via the usual treatment and transport routes.

The Health Risk: What Does Research Say?

The Current WHO Assessment

The question of the actual health risk of microplastics is the most emotional and scientifically most difficult to answer at the same time. To date, there is no conclusive evidence that the low concentrations of microplastics we ingest through drinking water have acute toxic effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) already concluded in its comprehensive 2019 report that the current data **does not provide sufficient evidence** of health hazards and primarily called for further research before definitive statements can be made.

The Role of Chemicals (PFAS & Co.)

The latent risk, however, lies not only in the particles themselves but in their function as carriers. Plastic is chemically active. This means that microplastic particles can bind pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, or persistent chemicals (such as PFAS) to themselves in the environment and during their journey through water treatment. These carrier substances may be released back into the human body. The main concern of many consumers is therefore less about the plastic itself and more about the dangerous substances it transports. This makes it all the more important to regularly check not only the particles but all relevant pollutants in the water.

How to Measure the Invisible? The Limits of Standard Water Analysis

Standard Tests vs. Particle Analysis

If you routinely have your water tested for germs or chemical contamination, you get an important snapshot of water quality. However, it is crucial to understand that most standard water analyses are designed to measure *dissolved* substances – i.e., ions, gases, or dissolved organic molecules such as nitrate. Special microbiological procedures, in turn, apply to the measurement of bacteria. The problem with microplastics, however, is that they are solid particles. Conventional laboratory tests that, for example, measure water hardness or pH value, are simply not designed to reliably count or chemically identify particles the size of microfibres.

Indirect Indicators and Special Analyses

To determine whether and to what extent your water is contaminated with microplastics, special analyses are required. These procedures are usually more complex and expensive than standard tests. They often include methods such as spectroscopy to identify the chemical composition of the particles, or particle counting to quantify the amount. Since these methods are not always widely available, it is advisable to concentrate on indirect indicators. A check of the general germ load and other chemical pollutants in the water is always the first and most important step. Only after that should you consider an extended special analysis in case of concrete suspicion, in order to be able to make reliable statements about particle contamination.

Protection at Home: How to Filter Microplastics out of Drinking Water

Effectiveness of Different Filter Systems

Since 100% prevention of microplastic entry into the water network is hardly possible, many consumers look for effective solutions for their households. The effectiveness of various filter systems is crucial here. Simple activated carbon filters are excellent for binding chlorine, odors, and many chemical contaminants. However, their pore structure is often not fine enough to reliably retain the tiniest microplastic fibres.

The most effective method for removing particles and almost all dissolved solids is considered to be Reverse Osmosis (RO). In reverse osmosis, water is forced under high pressure through an ultra-fine membrane, whose pores are so small that even ions and the smallest plastic particles cannot pass through. If you want maximum protection against particle contamination and chemical trace substances, this system is currently the best technical solution (Further information on reverse osmosis and its functionality can be found here: https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.de/verfahren/umkehrosmose)

The Last Mile: Household Pipes and Fittings

Even if you use a filter, you should not neglect the household pipes. Studies suggest that microplastics do not only come from outside but can also originate within the house installation. The slow decomposition of rubber seals, plastic pipes, or even fine filters in fittings can lead to the release of particles. Maintain your fittings and installation systems to minimize these secondary entry sources.

Conclusion: Certainty Through Knowledge and Preparation

The topic of microplastics in drinking water remains a complex challenge that still needs to be extensively researched by science. While the acute risks are still unconfirmed, the presence of these particles shows that our tap water is exposed to constant contamination. Regardless of particle contamination, however, there are demonstrable risks such as bacteria, lead, and pesticides that can immediately affect your health. Therefore, you only gain certainty about the purity of your water through regular, professional checks.

Our recommendation: Do not wait for the conclusive research on microplastics. Protect yourself proactively against the known risks while the research is still ongoing.

Start now with our comprehensive water analysis, to rule out all chemical and bacterial risks and lay the foundation for your safe water consumption. Your health is worth it!