Microplastics in Tap Water in Tampa: What You Need to Know
Quick Summary: Microplastics are an emerging concern in Tampa’s drinking water, entering the supply through runoff, wastewater discharge, and even the air. This article explores where microplastics come from, the health risks they pose, and why bottled water may not be the safer option. You’ll also learn how advanced filtration systems—like reverse osmosis from Culligan—can help reduce your exposure to microplastics and improve your water quality at home.
Microplastics have been found in tap water across the world, including in the United States. In Tampa Bay, these tiny plastic particles—less than 5 millimeters in length—are part of a growing concern. These microplastics come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic fibers, and even industrial processes. Recent studies show that microplastics can end up in our drinking water systems through runoff, wastewater discharge, and even the air. While bottled water might seem like a safer option, research suggests it often contains even higher levels of microplastics than tap water. This has led many Tampa Bay households to ask: how do you protect your drinking water from microplastics?
Let’s break down where microplastics come from, why they matter, and what you can do to reduce them in your tap water.
Where Microplastics in Tap Water Come From in Tampa Bay
Microplastics are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye, but they are everywhere—from oceans and rivers to rainwater and even snowfall. Because plastics degrade slowly, they fragment into smaller pieces over time, not only in the environment but also during manufacturing, laundry, and transportation processes. Tampa Bay residents should be aware of the sources of microplastic contamination in their drinking water:
- Surface Water Contamination: Rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water that supply Tampa Bay’s municipal water, such as the Hillsborough River, are increasingly affected by microplastic particles. These water sources are vulnerable to contamination from microplastics carried by agricultural runoff, litter, and industrial waste.
- Wastewater Discharge: Both treated and untreated wastewater can carry microplastics into public water sources. Tampa’s advanced water treatment systems, while effective in removing many contaminants, were not designed specifically to filter out microplastics, allowing them to pass into the water supply.
- Runoff and Litter: Frequent rainfall in Tampa can pick up plastic debris from streets and transport it into storm drains, eventually flowing into local freshwater systems like Tampa Bay and its tributaries.
- Atmospheric Deposition: Small plastic fibers from synthetic clothing, monofilament fishing gear, and industrial emissions can settle onto water bodies or even directly into water treatment plants, contributing to the microplastic load in local water systems.
Although Tampa’s water utilities work to remove many contaminants through filtration, microplastics are a unique challenge because they often pass through the water treatment process.
Recent News About Microplastics in Tampa’s Water Supply
Tampa residents have become increasingly concerned about the presence of microplastics in the city’s tap water. A recent report released by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has raised alarms about rising microplastic levels in urban water supplies, including those serving the greater Tampa Bay area.
In addition, the University of South Florida St. Petersburg conducted a comprehensive 14-month study on Tampa Bay’s water quality. The study found that Tampa Bay contains approximately 4 billion microplastic particles, with river mouths and industrial areas showing the highest concentrations. The study also discovered that sediment samples contained up to 600 microplastic pieces per pound, contributing to an estimated 3 trillion particles in the bay’s surface sediments.
How Much Microplastic Is in Tap Water in Tampa?
A 2017 study by Orb Media found that 83% of global tap water samples contained plastic fibers, and in the United States, the figure was even higher at 94%. Studies from the American Chemical Society (ACS) show that boiling tap water can remove up to 90% of microplastics by trapping them in limescale particles, which are then filtered out.
However, boiling is not a practical solution for everyone, especially when considering that boiling water may not remove the smallest or most harmful plastic particles. While microplastics are common in tap water, concentrations can vary depending on factors like the source water, the condition of local pipes, and the specific water treatment process used by Tampa’s water utilities.
Health Risks of Microplastics in Tap Water
Although research on the health effects of microplastic ingestion is still in its early stages, studies suggest these tiny particles could cause inflammation, disrupt hormone functions, and act as carriers for toxic chemicals absorbed from the environment. These chemicals may include heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful substances that can accumulate in the body.
According to the Environmental Working Group, health experts are concerned about the potential long-term health risks posed by continuous exposure to microplastics. Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
Why Bottled Water Isn’t Always Better Than Tap Water
Switching to bottled water might seem like an easy fix to avoid microplastics, but studies suggest that bottled water may actually contain more microplastics than tap water. In a 2018 study, Orb Media found that 93% of 259 bottled water samples tested contained microplastic contamination. This contamination often originates from the bottling process, plastic caps, and even the bottles themselves shedding particles into the water.
Aside from increasing microplastic exposure, bottled water also contributes to the environmental burden of single-use plastics, which are a growing concern in Tampa and other cities striving to reduce plastic waste.
Best Ways to Reduce Microplastics in Your Drinking Water
If you’re concerned about microplastics in your tap water, here are the most effective ways to reduce exposure:
- Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System: Reverse osmosis (RO) systems can effectively filter out microplastics by blocking particles as small as 0.0001 microns, far smaller than typical microplastics.
- Maintain Plumbing: Older pipes may shed plastic particles. Replacing old plumbing materials can help reduce contamination in your tap water.
How Culligan Helps Remove Microplastics from Your Water in Tampa Bay
Culligan offers several water treatment solutions that can help reduce microplastics in your home water supply:
- Reverse Osmosis Systems: Culligan’s Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System uses multiple filtration stages, including a semi-permeable membrane that blocks particles down to 0.0001 microns, effectively reducing microplastics and other contaminants like lead, arsenic, and nitrates.
- Whole-House Water Filters: For broader protection, Culligan also offers whole-house water filters that improve water quality at every tap. These filters help remove microplastics, harmful chemicals, and other drinking water contaminants.
- Bottled Water Delivery: For those who prefer bottled water, Culligan offers multi-step purification through reverse osmosis and filtration, ensuring that the water is as clean and microplastic-free as possible.
By working with a Culligan water quality advisor, you can customize a solution that fits your needs, whether that’s a single point-of-use RO system or a complete whole-home filtration system.
Microplastics have become an unavoidable part of modern life, but you can take practical steps to limit how much you ingest through drinking water. While boiling may help in the short term, installing a high-quality water filtration system offers the most effective and consistent protection.
With the right filtration setup, you can enjoy clean drinking water in Tampa Bay, with greater peace of mind about the safety and quality of the water coming from your tap.
