You’ve probably heard the term microplastics before—but did you know they’re in your drinking water?
Whether you’re sipping tap water, filtered water, or even bottled water, you’re likely ingesting tiny plastic particles every single day. These particles are known as microplastics in water, and they’ve become a growing concern for health-conscious consumers, parents, and eco-conscious households alike.
Let’s break down what microplastics are, why they’re harmful, and—most importantly—what water filters actually remove microplastics effectively.
What Are Microplastics (And Why Are They in Our Water)?
Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters. They come from a variety of sources:
- Shedding synthetic clothing in the laundry
- Breaking down of plastic bottles, bags, and food packaging
- Cosmetic microbeads (now banned, but still present in older products or the environment)
- Industrial waste and plastic manufacturing runoff
Once released into the environment, these particles persist for decades, if not centuries. They travel through the air, soil, and especially our water systems, eventually ending up in tap water, bottled water, rainwater—and inside the human body.
How Common Are Microplastics in Water?
It’s worse than most people realize.
- A 2017 global study by Orb Media found 94% of U.S. tap water samples contained microplastics.
- A World Health Organization review of bottled water in 2018 discovered more than 90% of samples were contaminated, with some brands containing over 10,000 microplastic particles per liter.
- Researchers have also detected microplastics in rainwater, remote mountain lakes, and Arctic ice.
And yes—even your home tap water may contain microplastics, depending on your municipal treatment system and plumbing.
Why Are Microplastics in Water Dangerous?
While research is still ongoing, early evidence suggests that microplastics in water can pose serious risks to human health:
- Hormonal disruption: Many plastics contain phthalates or BPA-like chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system.
- Inflammation: Studies show microplastics can cause gut and lung inflammation in animals—and likely in humans.
- Toxin carriers: Microplastics can absorb and carry heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial toxins into the body.
- Cell damage: A 2022 study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that microplastics can penetrate human cell membranes and potentially damage tissue.
- Nanoplastics (even smaller fragments) are believed to be capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and placenta.
Simply put: while we’re still learning exactly how dangerous they are, the precautionary principle suggests it’s smart to reduce exposure now.
Can Water Filters Remove Microplastics?
Yes—but to filter out microplastics, a system needs to physically block particles as small as 0.1–0.5 microns. The most effective types of filtration include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Nanofiltration
- Ultrafiltration
- Sub-micron Carbon Block Filters
Many popular water pitchers and faucet filters don’t catch particles that small. But the good news is: there are tested, proven filters that remove microplastics from drinking water—and we’ve reviewed them below.
The Best Water Filters That Remove Microplastics
Each of the following options has been tested for its ability to reduce or remove microplastics, and many go above and beyond, filtering out heavy metals, PFAS, chlorine, fluoride, and pharmaceuticals as well.
1. Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher
This isn’t your typical pitcher. Clearly Filtered uses Affinity Filtration™ technology that targets 365+ contaminants—including microplastics as small as 0.2 microns.
- Independently tested to NSF standards
- Removes chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and plastic particles
- Filter lasts ~100 gallons
- BPA-free and fridge-friendly
Why it’s great: It’s one of the only pitchers on the market designed to remove microplastics, making it a powerful and convenient upgrade for most households.
Read our full review of the Clearly Filtered Pitcher →
2. Epic Pure Water Filter Dispenser
If you need something larger than a pitcher, this gravity-fed dispenser is ideal for families or shared kitchens.
- Filters down to 0.1 microns—trapping microplastics and even bacteria
- Holds 1.5 gallons
- Filter lifespan: 150 gallons
- Lab-tested against microplastics, fluoride, PFAS, and more
Why it’s great: NSF/ANSI tested and made in the USA. Great if you want something that sits on the counter and serves a group.
Read our full review of the Clearly Filtered Pitcher →
3. Berkey Gravity Filter (with Black Filters)
A go-to for campers, preppers, and off-grid living—Berkey systems are non-electric, long-lasting, and proven to reduce microplastics.
- Removes 99.99% of viruses, bacteria and heavy metals
- Works without electricity or plumbing
- Available in travel, small, or large sizes
- Filters last up to 6,000 gallons
Why it’s great: Extremely cost-effective per gallon. Great for homes, emergencies, or travel.
Read our full review of the Clearly Filtered Pitcher →
4. Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis System
If you’re serious about filtration, RO is the gold standard and this product here is the best of the best. Aquasana’s under-sink system is NSF-certified and filters down to 0.0001 microns, catching even the smallest microplastics.
- Removes 95–99% of contaminants, including lead, PFAS, and plastic fragments
- Includes remineralizer to restore healthy minerals
- Easy filter changes every 6–12 months
- Clean water on demand at your tap
Why it’s great: RO systems are more expensive up front but unmatched in performance.
Read our full review of the Clearly Filtered Pitcher →
5. LifeStraw Home Glass Dispenser (7-Cup or 18-Cup)
This sleek 18-cup system is tested to remove 99.999% of microplastics, plus a wide range of additional contaminants — all in a modern glass design that looks great on your counter and keeps plastic out of your clean water.
- Removes bacteria, parasites, PFAS, microplastics, lead, chlorine, and more
- NSF-certified to standards 42, 53, P231, and 401
- Dual-stage filter: membrane + carbon block
- Dishwasher-safe glass and BPA-free components
- Clean, great-tasting water in minutes — no installation required
Why it’s great: It’s one of the only countertop dispensers with certified microplastic removal, backed by real lab data and made by a brand trusted in global water safety.
Read our full review of the LifeStraw Home Dispenser →
Bonus: Portable Filters for Trave or Emergencies
If you’re hiking, camping, or traveling internationally, filters like the Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw can protect you on the go.
- Filter down to 0.1 microns
- Removes bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics
- Lightweight and packable
Why it’s great: Not for everyday home use, but excellent for travel, outdoor adventures, or emergency kits.
Final Tips for Reducing Microplastics in Your Home
Filtering your water is a critical first step—but not the only one. Here are a few other smart ways to lower your exposure to microplastics in water and beyond:
Stop using bottled water. It’s often worse than tap. Use a refillable stainless steel bottle instead.
Don’t microwave food in plastic containers. Heat breaks down plastic into smaller particles.
Use a laundry filter or bag. Washing synthetic clothing is a major source of waterborne microplastics.
Choose natural fiber clothing and towels. Cotton, wool, and hemp shed less harmful material than polyester or acrylic.
Avoid tea bags with plastic mesh. Many brands use nylon or PET mesh that releases microplastics in hot water.
Microplastics in Water: A Problem You Can Do Something About
The science is clear: microplastics in water are everywhere. They’re in our faucets, our food, and even our bodies.
But you don’t have to be powerless.
By choosing a high quality water filter, one designed to trap microplastics, you can significantly reduce your daily exposure and protect yourself and your family from these invisible contaminants.
Pick the best filter for your home from the list above. Whether it’s a simple pitcher or a full reverse osmosis system, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for your health.
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