The problem
Microplastics are plastic particles under 5 mm; nanoplastics are far smaller. Detection depends heavily on the method and the size cutoff a lab uses.
Studies often report particle counts that are hard to compare across labs.
What public data can and cannot say
Can tell you
- California has begun a monitoring framework for microplastics in drinking water.
- Peer-reviewed studies report counts for the samples they measured.
Cannot tell you
- Utility reports generally do not list microplastics.
- A single study's count does not describe your tap.
How to test
- Consumer microplastic testing is limited and method-dependent; ask a lab what size range and method they use.
- Reducing plastic contact (storage, heating, bottles) is something you control directly.
System types compared
| System type | Format | What to check on the listing | Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-sink RO | Point of use | Any seller-listed particulate certification and its exact scope | Reviews |
| Glass or steel bottle | Storage | Material and lid material; see the materials guide | Reviews |
| Pitcher & gravity | Point of use | Seller-listed standard and replacement interval | Reviews |
Under-sink RO
Any seller-listed particulate certification and its exact scope
ReviewsGlass or steel bottle
Material and lid material; see the materials guide
ReviewsPitcher & gravity
Seller-listed standard and replacement interval
Reviews
Referred equipment
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Pitcher & gravity
Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Best for: Buyers comparing gravity-fed pitchers
ReferralEditor's referral. We may earn a commission; the seller fulfills the order. How we make money · Disclosure
Sources
FAQ
- Which journal posts cover this?
- The HU Journal covers individual papers with what each study measured and what it does not prove.