March 24, 2025
Understanding the Source of Microplastics in Drinking Water
By Chrissie Walsh and Alex Gross
When it comes to environmental concerns of plastics, one of the most talked about issues is that of microplastics. Microplastics are typically defined as plastic particles below 5 mm in diameter (about ¼ inch) and include nanoplastics that are typically defined as having dimensions in the range of 1 to 1,000 nm (0.000 001 to 0.001 mm). These tiny particles typically derive from larger objects, often broken down by sunlight, oxygen, or friction. The majority of microplastics currently in our environment are sourced from breaking down of synthetic fibers in the laundry (34.8%) and wearing of tires (46.2%).
In the current market, there are two types of plastic products, durable plastic products and disposable plastic products, both must be considered when thinking about microplastics and their contamination into drinking water. Disposable plastic products, often referred to as “single-use plastics,” include water bottles, food containers, and materials that are typically disposed of after one or a handful of uses. Often, their purpose is to increase the lifetime of food products, making transfer of materials easier, and provide convenience of not having to carry materials with you after consumption.
Alternatively, durable goods are plastic-based materials that are built to last for longer term use. Siding for houses, decking material, and lawn furniture are considered durable plastic applications. Plastic piping systems fall within the durable piping products. Plastic piping is used for a variety of potable water applications, such as municipal water distribution and hot- and cold-water plumbing distribution that transports water in a variety of residential and commercial applications.
As the topic of microplastics has been raised as a concern in recent news cycles, plastic piping systems, such as polyethylene (PE), crosslinked polyethylene (PEX), polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT), polypropylene (PP), and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) have come into question on whether it is feasible these systems could leach microplastics into drinking water and contaminate the water supply.
However, durable plastic products (i.e., those that do not wear in their intended application) are not considered significant contributors of microplastics during their service life.
According to research conducted by the industry association Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) in Europe and North America, there is no indication that plastic piping is an important source of microplastics in drinking water. Most existing plastic piping systems are designed for 50+ years of service, often selected for water service because of their resistance to corrosion and erosion that is unmatched compared to traditional systems like copper.
Additionally, the plastic piping industry is highly regulated within the USA and Canada. There is a system of codes, standards, and third-party certifications which are extremely rigorous with regards to pipe materials (ingredients), production controls, and finished products. Related to drinking water safety, all plastic pipes, tubing, fittings and system components must comply with federal regulations to ensure these materials are safe for drinking water. There are strict criteria to assure the breakdown of material during the use phase does not occur. GF complies with all applicable codes and standards, with has the industry-required listings to document the compliance.
Plastic piping systems are designed to provide a safe, reliable, supply of drinking water without the historic problems of corrosion, leakage, mineral buildup, release of metallic elements into drinking water, or any combination thereof. This is why engineers, architects, building owners, and builders prefer to specify plastic piping systems on their projects.
Anyone who is concerned about ingestion of microplastics can consider deploying a reverse osmosis filter. The membranes in this filter can remove particles as small as 1/10,000th of a micron, far smaller than typical micro/nano plastics.
References and Additional Resources
1PPI STATEMENT AB -2023 - Microplastics and Plastic Piping for Potable Water