Invisible Threat: Microplastics in Drinking Water

What are microplastics, and why do they matter?

• Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (typically <5 mm in size) formed by breakdown of larger plastics or released directly (e.g. microbeads, synthetic fibres).
• Because they’re so small, they are more difficult to detect, regulate, or remove entirely via standard treatment.
• The health impacts of ingesting microplastics are still an emerging area of research. Some concerns include inflammatory responses, chemical leaching, and disruption of gut microbiota, though definitive human risk thresholds are not yet established.

Microplastics in UK tap water

• A major industry‑commissioned study (UKWIR / Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) found that typical UK water treatment removes 99.9% of microplastic particles, reducing raw water concentrations (~4.9 particles per litre) down to about 0.00011 particles per litre in treated (potable) water.
• That said, trace amounts of microplastics have still been detected in tap water. Studies sampling English and Welsh treatment works found some potable water samples had measurable microplastics ≥25 µm in size.
• Media reports cite that UK tap water ranges between 0 and 10 microplastic particles per litre in many locations.
• More recently, one study reported that average microplastic concentrations in tap water (24 to 56 MPs per litre) were “statistically indistinguishable” from bottled water (26 to 48 MPs per litre), suggesting that the difference may not always be large.

Microplastics in bottled water

• Because bottled water is in contact with plastic packaging (bottle walls, caps, seals) during filling, storage and transport, there is more opportunity for microplastic particles to leach or shed into the water.
• One alarming study (US) detected nearly a quarter million nanoplastic particles per litre in bottled water, though these are extremely small (nanoplastics) and represent an upper bound in that study.
• In general, multiple surveys have found that bottled water often contains more microplastic particles (and in a broader size range) than tap water, especially in low‑quality or poorly sealed packaging.

Why filtered tap water (especially via Vettä Tap) is a good choice

1. Reducing plastic contact and exposure
   Reducing microplastic exposure. Because Vettä Tap delivers filtered water directly from your plumbing, the water never sits in single-use plastic bottles or containers. That removes a major pathway for plastic shedding into the water.
2. Precision filtration down to 0.2 microns
   Vettä’s filter is designed to remove contaminants including chlorine, taste/odour, lead, iron, arsenic, etc. — and because it is fine (0.2 µm precision), it can also reduce many microplastic particles (especially those >0.2 µm). (See the Vettä Pro Filter Replacement page on vettatap.com.) Vetta Tap
3. Convenience & consistency
   You get clean, filtered cold water on demand. That encourages using water from the tap instead of turning to bottled options when you want a clean drink.
   (See the “Filtered Water” section on the Vettä Tap homepage.) Vetta Tap
4. Energy, cost, waste benefits
   • Reduces reliance on bottled water, which has embedded carbon and waste costs.
   • Avoids heating plastic bottles (which might degrade them further).
   • The all‑in‑one design (boiling, chilled, filtered, sparkling) replaces multiple appliances and avoids extra components. (See “Why Vättä Tap” on vettatap.com.) Vetta Tap
5. Filter replacement schedule ensures ongoing performance
   The filter is intended to be replaced every ~6 months or 2,000 litres, ensuring that filtration performance remains high and membranes are not overloaded. (See Vettä Pro Filter Replacement page on vettatap.com for those specs.) Vetta Tap

Practical Tips & Cautions

• Even the best filtration can’t guarantee removal of all microplastics, particularly extremely small (nano‑scale) particles.
• Boiling water has been suggested in some studies to “clump” microplastics by virtue of mineral precipitation, which might allow easier removal by subsequent filtration — but this effect depends heavily on water hardness and other factors.
• Always follow the filter replacement schedule. A saturated or worn filter may perform less effectively or even contribute to leaching.
• Use non‑plastic containers when storing or transporting water (glass, stainless, etc.) to avoid new plastic shedding.