Microplastics in tap water are becoming a more serious concern every year. 2026 marks the first year that the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified microplastics as a “priority contaminant,” alongside PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and certain harmful microbes, among other substances.
It’s easy to assume that buying bottled water is the answer. However, there may be even more microplastics in bottled water than in tap water. Plus, every time someone buys a single-use plastic water bottle, they’re contributing more plastic to the environment.
Let’s take a look at the differences between microplastics in bottled water and tap water to ensure you have access to cleaner, safer drinking water.
What Are Microplastics?
Plastic doesn’t truly biodegrade like many materials. Instead, it breaks up over time into smaller and smaller pieces. Eventually, these tiny pieces are small enough to be called microplastics. Some are almost too small to see, and others may be up to 5 mm long.
These microplastics are problematic because they build up virtually everywhere. They get into the soil, our water supply, and even the air. Because of this, you can end up eating them, drinking them, and inhaling them without ever realizing it. Very small particles, sometimes called nanoplastics, can even evaporate with water vapor and become a part of the water cycle [Wolff, Physician and Scientist Network Addressing Plastics and Health, 2026].
Many scientists have concerns about the long-term health impacts of this constant exposure to microplastics. While researchers have limited knowledge about the effects of microplastics on the human body, studies have shown that microplastics are present in some people’s livers, kidneys, lungs, and saliva.
Microplastics in Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: The Science
With microplastics entering our bodies via tap water and other sources, it may seem to make sense to buy bottled water as an alternative. Unfortunately, recent studies show that bottled water may be even more rife with microplastics than the water that comes directly from your faucet.
While bottled water is often sold as a “pure” alternative to potentially contaminated tap water, the opposite may be true. Scientists at Rutgers University and Columbia University published a paper stating that plastics are now “omnipresent” in daily life, and that each liter of bottled water may hold over 100,000 particles of plastic [Qian et al, 2024]. Some bottles may carry 240,000 pieces of plastic, up to 100 times more than many tap water samples.
This is far worse than scientists previously thought. The new, more alarming figures have come to light due to advancing technology that can see smaller particles than before, showing that micro- and nanoplastics are more prevalent than previously realized.
Tap water also carries microplastics. In fact, 94% of U.S. water samples were shown to contain microplastics [PurityMap, 2026]. However, because there are multiple ways to filter the water in your own home, tap water could be the safer choice.
Practical Steps To Reduce Exposure to Microplastics
Understanding how to reduce microplastics in drinking water starts by knowing that you need to address the root of the problem: reducing plastic use. It’s also a good idea to consider implementing water filtration options for your home.
Switch from single-use plastic bottles to refillable, reusable bottles. Remember to clean water bottles regularly to prolong their lifespan and avoid bacterial buildup. Every time you choose not to use a single-use plastic item, you prevent more microplastics from entering the environment. Consider creating a refill station that’s easily accessible for everyone in the family. Invest in a free-standing or bottleless water cooler that includes filtration for safer, healthier water.
Where you have to use plastic items, avoid applying heat to them. For example, don’t use boiling water to wash plastic bottles, or carry hot drinks in a plastic water bottle. Some researchers suggest that even microwaving food in plastic containers could potentially be harmful, so you may want to avoid doing this.
To ensure that your tap water is as safe as possible, figure out which type of filtration system is right for your home. Reverse-osmosis (RO) filtration systems use incredibly fine membranes to filter out contaminants, including many microplastics. When you invest in effective water filtration solutions, you’re potentially making your tap water much safer than most bottled water alternatives.
Build your refill routine with Brio and reduce your plastic consumption to reduce the volume of microplastics entering the environment. For safer tap water, invest in reliable, easy-to-maintain water filtration systems that promote healthy hydration for you and your family, every day.
