There is more and more talk about microplastics and their impact on health and the environment. It's no longer just a problem related to the oceans: these tiny particles are also present in food and, above all, in the water we drink every day.
One of the most relevant aspects concerns precisely the’bottled water, often perceived as safer than tap water. However, numerous scientific studies are questioning this belief, highlighting how plastic bottles can represent one of the main sources of microplastic exposure.
How widespread is this phenomenon really, and what are the solutions to reduce the risk in everyday life?
- What are microplastics and why are they a problem
- Microplastics in water: how widespread are they
- Bottled water and microplastics: what the studies say
- Tap water vs bottled water: which contains more microplastics?
- How to reduce exposure to microplastics in daily life
- The solution: filtered water and domestic installations
- Why choose a home drinking water system
What are microplastics and why are they a problem
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, generally less than 5 millimeters, which result from the degradation of larger plastic materials or are produced directly for industrial use (primary microplastics).
They are distinguished into:
- primary microplastics, already present in microscopic form (e.g., cosmetics, abrasives);
- secondary microplastics, generated from the degradation of plastic objects such as bottles and packaging.
The main problem is that these particles are now widespread everywhere: in the air, in the soil, in the seas, and in the food chain.
According to a study commissioned by World Wildlife Fund and made by the’University of Newcastle, a person can ingest up to about 5 grams of plastic per week, the equivalent of a credit card. (Source: World Wildlife Fund)
Additionally, recent research has detected the presence of microplastics in Human blood, in the lungs and even in the placenta. (Source: ScienceDirect)
Microplastics in water: how widespread are they
Microplastics enter the water through several processes:
- degradation of plastic waste;
- industrial discharges;
- synthetic fibers released during fabric washing;
- widespread environmental contamination.
According to a global survey conducted by Orb Media, beyond the’83% dei campioni di acqua del rubinetto analizzati nel mondo contiene microplastiche. (Source: The Guardian)
Even the’World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed the widespread presence of microplastics in drinking water. (Source: World Health Organization)
This means the problem is not limited to a single source, but affects the entire water cycle.
Bottled water and microplastics: what the studies say
When talking about microplastics, the’bottled water It is one of the most analyzed elements.
A study by State University of New York, conducted on over 250 bottles of water from different countries, found that il 93% dei campioni conteneva microplastiche. (Source: Focus)
In media, there were approximately 325 particles per liter, with much higher peaks in some cases.
The main causes are:
- the release of particles from plastic (PET);
- the bottling process;
- bottle wear during transport and storage.
Factors such as the heat and sun exposure can increase the release of microplastics, making the habitual consumption of water in plastic bottles even more critical.
Tap water vs bottled water: which contains more microplastics?
One of the most interesting aspects is the direct comparison between tap water and bottled water.
According to several studies, bottled water tends to contain more microplastics than tap water, primarily due to direct contact with the plastic container and bottling processes. (Source: The Republic)
This does not mean that tap water is completely free of microplastics, but it highlights how plastic itself is a determining factor in contamination. Furthermore, conditions such as transportation, prolonged storage, or exposure to heat sources can increase the release of particles from bottles.
In Italy, tap water is subject to strict and continuous monitoring, often more frequent than those planned for bottled water. These are checks that concern chemical, microbiological, and safety parameters, ensuring high-quality standards throughout the entire water supply network.
For this reason, more and more people are reconsidering tap water as a viable alternative, especially when combined with filtration systems that further improve its quality, taste, and safety.
How to reduce exposure to microplastics in daily life
Reducing exposure to microplastics is possible through simple yet conscious daily choices:
- limit the use of single-use plastic bottles;
- avoid leaving bottles in the sun or in hot environments, where particle release may increase;
- prefer alternative materials like glass or steel, especially for habitual water consumption;
- Reduce consumption of plastic-packaged products, favoring more sustainable solutions.
In addition to these good practices, greater attention can be paid to the quality of the water we use every day, for example by domestic drinking water systems, which allow for improved water quality and reduced reliance on single-use plastics.
These are small changes that, over time, can make a big difference not only for personal health but also for the environment, helping to reduce the spread of plastic and its impact on our ecosystem.
The solution: filtered water and domestic installations
One of the most effective solutions for reducing microplastic exposure is the use of a domestic drinking water system.
Systems and technologies such as:
- microfiltration,
- ultrafiltration,
- reverse osmosis,
they allow for improved water quality by removing impurities, residues, and unwanted particles, including some of the microplastics present.
Unlike bottled water, these systems allow water to be treated directly at the point of use, avoiding prolonged contact with plastic containers and thus reducing one of the main sources of contamination.
This allows for a Direct control over water quality that is consumed daily, improving not only its safety but also its taste and organoleptic characteristics. At the same time, it represents a more sustainable choice, because it contributes to drastically reducing the use of single-use plastic and its environmental impact.
Why choose a home drinking water system
Installing a home drinking water system is an increasingly common and conscious choice.
The advantages are clear:
- drastic reduction in plastic use;
- greater control over water quality;
- improvement of taste and organoleptic characteristics;
- Long-term cost savings.
Drinking bottled water, especially plastic, can significantly contribute to microplastic intake. For this reason, more and more people are choosing safer, more sustainable, and controllable alternative solutions.
Acqua Hora offers personalized solutions, with water analysis and custom installations, ideal for both families and local businesses.
If you live in Perugia or in Umbria And if you want to improve the quality of the water you drink every day, the solution is at your fingertips.
Do you want to know what the quality of your tap water really is?
Book a consultation with Acqua Hora and discover the solution that best suits your needs.
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