Yes, there are likely tiny pieces of plastic in your drinking water—here’s what you need to know.
Did you know that the average person consumes about a credit card’s worth of plastic every week through their water? It’s a startling reality that’s hitting close to home, especially here in Florida.
These invisible intruders, known as microplastics, are sneaking into our water systems through countless sources:
- Deteriorating water pipes
- Broken-down plastic bottles
- Synthetic clothing fibers
- Industrial waste
- Personal care products
That’s why understanding how your water filter tackles microplastics is crucial. Not all filtration systems are created equal, and what works for basic contaminants might not capture these tiny plastic particles effectively.
Understanding Microplastics: Sources and Pathways into Our Water Systems
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that measure less than 5 millimeters in size. They have become a significant problem in our water systems, entering through two main sources:
These are plastics that are intentionally manufactured to be small. They include:
- Microbeads from personal care products
- Synthetic fiber fragments from clothing, which can contribute to health issues as highlighted in this study
- Plastic pellets used in manufacturing
- Tire dust from road wear
Our water systems are constantly being polluted by these persistent particles. Here are some ways in which microplastics find their way into our water:
- Rain washes microplastics off the streets and into storm drains.
- Washing machines release synthetic fibers into wastewater.
- Aging PVC pipes shed microscopic particles directly into our tap water.
The subtropical climate in Florida creates ideal conditions for plastic degradation. When materials break down faster due to heat and sunlight, our drinking water becomes increasingly susceptible to contamination. Many homes in Florida that were built in the 1970s or earlier still have original plastic pipes, which continue to deteriorate and release particles into the water supply.
Moreover, the impact of microplastics extends beyond just pollution; they also play a role in contributing to rising antibiotic resistance, among other issues, as discussed in this article.
Health Concerns Linked to Microplastic Exposure
Research has identified several key health risks:
- Cell Damage: Microplastics can physically damage cell membranes and disrupt normal cellular functions.
- Immune System Effects: These particles may overstimulate immune responses, leading to autoimmune conditions.
- Oxidative Stress: The presence of microplastics can increase free radical production, accelerating cellular aging.
A particularly worrying aspect is the potential for hormone disruption. Plastics often contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates that can mimic or interfere with natural hormones in our bodies. This disruption may lead to:
- Reproductive problems.
- Developmental issues in children.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Thyroid function changes.
Scientists have also discovered links between long-term microplastic exposure and increased cancer risk. The particles can accumulate in tissues over time, potentially leading to DNA damage and tumor formation.
The Role of Water Filters in Removing Microplastics
How Water Filters Work
You can think of your water filter as a protective screen door. Just like a screen door with large holes might allow small insects to enter, water filters with large pores won’t be able to capture the tiniest plastic particles. In order to effectively remove microplastics, filters need to have pore sizes smaller than 2.5 microns – which is about 30 times smaller than a human hair!
Here’s what you need to know about common filtration methods:
1. Activated Carbon Filters
- Standard pore size: ~20 microns
- Can trap larger plastic particles
- Miss most dangerous microplastics
2. Ceramic Filters
- Variable pore sizes (2-50 microns)
- Catch some microplastics
- Performance depends on quality
- Less reliable long-term protection
Advanced Filtration Technologies That Effectively Remove Microplastics from Water
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
- Microscopic Pores: The RO membrane has incredibly small pores that act as a barrier, allowing only water molecules to pass through while blocking larger particles, including microplastics and nanoplastics.
- High Removal Rate: Studies have shown that RO systems can remove up to 99% of microplastics and nanoplastics from water, making them one of the most effective solutions available.
- Comprehensive Protection: Unlike traditional filters that may only target specific contaminants, RO provides broad-spectrum protection by removing not just plastics but also salts, heavy metals, and other impurities.
- Home Water Treatment: With its ability to create such a fine barrier, RO is often considered the gold standard for home water treatment systems.
2. Ultrafiltration (UF)
- Hollow Fiber Membranes: UF systems utilize hollow fiber membranes with a pore size of 0.02 microns. These specialized membranes are designed to capture larger particles like microplastics while still allowing healthy minerals to pass through.
- Lower Operating Pressure: Compared to RO systems, UF operates at lower pressure levels, making it more energy-efficient and easier to maintain.
- Minimal Water Waste: One of the key advantages of UF is its low water wastage compared to RO. This can be particularly beneficial in areas where water conservation is a priority.
How Brita PRO Central Florida Protects Families From Microplastics in Their Drinking Water
A Trusted Legacy
When it comes to protecting Central Florida families from microplastics, Brita PRO’s legacy speaks volumes. Since 1985, our family-owned business has earned the trust of countless households across the region, maintaining an A+ BBB rating through unwavering dedication to clean water solutions and exceptional customer care.
Comprehensive Protection for Your Family
The heart of our approach centers on providing clean, safe water throughout your entire home. Our systems don’t just filter drinking water – they protect your family during everyday activities like:
- Showering and bathing
- Washing dishes and laundry
- Cooking and food preparation
- Pet care and plant watering
Your home deserves more than just basic filtration. Brita PRO’s whole house systems deliver comprehensive protection against microplastics while addressing Central Florida’s broader water quality concerns. In fact, we are proud to be recognized among the top 5 best water filtration companies in Central Florida, ensuring clean, safe water for your home with expert solutions.
Ensuring Your Water Filter Effectively Removes Microplastics: Key Considerations for Homeowners in Florida
Pore Size Matters
When choosing a water filter, pay attention to the size of its pores. Microplastics can vary in size, but many of them are smaller than 2.5 microns. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Look for filters with pore sizes smaller than 2.5 microns
- Check manufacturer specifications for particle removal rates
- Consider filters using advanced membrane technology
Advanced Filtration Technologies
There are several advanced filtration technologies that can help remove microplastics from your water supply. These include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This method is highly effective and can remove particles as small as 0.001 microns.
- Ultrafiltration (UF): UF systems capture particles down to 0.02 microns, making them suitable for removing larger microplastics.
- Nanofiltration: This technology is effective against particles between 0.001-0.01 microns and can be used in conjunction with other filtration methods.
Certification Standards
To ensure the effectiveness of your chosen water filter, look for products that meet NSF/ANSI standards for:
- Particle reduction
- Mechanical filtration
- System integrity
- Performance verification
These certifications provide assurance that the filter has been tested and proven to perform as claimed.
Remember to check the filter’s flow rate capacity – it should match your household’s daily water usage while maintaining optimal filtration performance.
Taking Action: Schedule Your Free In-home Water Test Today!
Your family’s health deserves crystal-clear, microplastic-free water. We’re here to help you make that happen with a complimentary in-home water assessment across Central Florida counties.
Our expert technicians bring decades of experience right to your doorstep. During your free consultation, we’ll:
- Test your water for microplastics and other contaminants
- Analyze chlorine levels and mineral content
- Create a detailed report of your water quality
- Provide personalized recommendations for your home
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are microplastics and how do they get into my drinking water?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than 5 millimeters in size that originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads in personal care products, aging pipes, wastewater runoff, and environmental plastic degradation. In Florida, these microplastics enter tap water due to plastic-heavy waste systems and aging infrastructure.
Why is it important to remove microplastics from drinking water for family health?
Exposure to microplastics can cause potential health risks including cell damage, inflammation, immune system reactions, hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and increased cancer risk. Minimizing exposure through effective filtration is especially important for families to protect long-term health despite ongoing research.
How do water filters remove microplastics from drinking water?
Water filters remove microplastics by trapping particles smaller than approximately 2.5 microns. Common activated carbon filters have larger pores (~20 microns) and are less effective. Advanced filtration technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultrafiltration (UF) use ultra-fine membranes capable of removing both micro and nanoplastics efficiently.
What advanced filtration technologies are best for eliminating microplastics in Florida tap water?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems utilize semi-permeable membranes with ultra-fine pores that effectively remove micro and nanoplastics. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes with pore sizes around 0.02 microns also significantly reduce microplastic contamination without wasting water—making them ideal choices for Florida residents.
Why is Central Florida particularly at risk for microplastic contamination in home water supplies?
Central Florida faces unique challenges including high chlorine levels, hard minerals, aging pipes, and plastic pollution from community waste management. These factors contribute to increased presence of microplastics in tap water across counties like Orange and Seminole, heightening the need for specialized filtration solutions.
How does Brita PRO Central Florida help protect families from microplastics in their drinking water?
Brita PRO Central Florida offers whole house filtration systems designed specifically for local water challenges such as chlorine, hard minerals, and microplastic contamination. With a family-owned legacy since 1985 and an A+ BBB rating, Brita PRO provides comprehensive solutions along with free in-home water testing and personalized recommendations to ensure clean and safe drinking water.