How Can I Reduce Microplastics in My Drinking Water?

By Dr. Ryan Kneessi, ND, Move Forward Natural Health. Last reviewed October 23, 2026.

Microplastics and the even smaller nanoplastics have become one of the most common everyday exposures people ask about, and water is usually the first place they want to start. The good news is that the changes are simple, and you do not need to overhaul your kitchen to make them.

Is bottled water a source of microplastics?

In 2024, researchers at Columbia University used a new laser imaging method to look for nanoplastics in bottled water. They reported an average of roughly a quarter of a million plastic particles per liter, and about 90 percent of them were nanoplastics, which are too small to see with older methods.

Water that sits in plastic bottles, especially bottles left in a warm car or in the sun, is an easy exposure to swap out. A refillable glass or stainless steel bottle is a calm, simple replacement.

Does boiling tap water help?

A 2024 lab study tested boiling as a household step. In hard tap water, the minerals that form scale captured plastic particles as the water was heated, and the researchers reported that at least 80 percent of the tested particles could be removed once the boiled water was poured through a simple filter such as a coffee filter. Softer water showed a smaller effect.

This was a lab study, so think of it as one helpful tool rather than a full solution. It is also an easy one to fold into tea, coffee, or soup that you are already heating.

What kind of water filter should I look for?

Look for a filter that has been independently certified for the things you care about, and check the specific claims on the product listing. Under-sink and pitcher filters vary a lot, so read the certification details rather than the marketing on the front of the box. Whatever you choose, change the cartridge on the schedule the maker lists.

What other small swaps make a difference at home?

Water is only one part of the picture. Storing leftovers in glass, skipping plastic in the microwave, and choosing a glass or steel bottle for the gym bag all add up. These are exactly the kinds of easy, one-at-a-time changes in my free Clean Home Swap guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is filtered tap water better than bottled water for microplastics?

Bottled water has been found to contain very large numbers of tiny plastic particles. Filtered tap water stored in glass or stainless steel is a practical way to lower that everyday exposure.

Does boiling water remove microplastics?

A 2024 lab study found that boiling hard tap water and then filtering it removed at least 80 percent of the plastic particles tested. The effect was smaller in soft water.

Should I stop drinking from plastic water bottles?

Many people choose to swap to glass or stainless steel bottles, especially for water that sits in heat. It is a simple change that lowers one everyday exposure.

Sources

1. Qian N, et al. Rapid single-particle chemical imaging of nanoplastics by SRS microscopy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38190543/
2. Yu Z, et al. Drinking boiled tap water reduces human intake of nanoplastics and microplastics. Environ Sci Technol Lett. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00081

This page shares general educational information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.