Recent studies have detected microplastics in municipal water supplies across the country, raising concerns about long-term health impacts. These tiny plastic particles, measuring less than 5mm, can pass through standard municipal filtration systems. For comprehensive water treatment services in Suffield, CT, Farmington Valley Plumbing offers specialized solutions designed to address these emerging contaminants and deliver cleaner, safer water to your home.
Understanding Microplastic Contamination
Microplastics enter water systems from multiple sources: breakdown of larger plastic waste, microbeads from cosmetics, synthetic fiber shedding from clothing, and tire wear particles. Municipal treatment facilities were not designed to capture these microscopic particles, which can range from 1 micron to 5mm in size.
Research indicates the average person may consume approximately 5 grams of plastic weekly, equivalent to a credit card, through water, food, and air. While research on health effects continues, many homeowners choose to implement additional filtration as a precautionary measure.
Effective Filtration Technologies
- Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis is the most effective technology for microplastic removal. These systems force water through a semipermeable membrane with pores as small as 0.0001 microns, small enough to block most microplastics. A quality water filtration system incorporating reverse osmosis can remove up to 99% of microplastics along with other contaminants.
- Multi-Stage Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters with pore sizes of 0.5 microns or smaller can trap larger microplastics. For optimal results, these filters work best as part of a comprehensive water conditioning system that addresses multiple contaminant types.
- Combination Approaches
The most effective solution often combines multiple technologies. A whole house water filtration system might incorporate sediment pre-filtration, activated carbon, and sub-micron post-filtration to progressively remove particles of decreasing size.
Installation Considerations
When planning water softener installation or comprehensive filtration, several factors determine the optimal configuration:
- Water usage volume
- Existing contaminant profile
- Space availability
- Maintenance requirements
- Water pressure considerations
Professional assessment provides crucial information about your specific water quality challenges and helps determine the most effective configuration.
Moving Forward With Protection
Removing microplastics from your water supply requires specialized filtration beyond standard pitcher filters or basic systems. For expert consultation and installation, contact Farmington Valley Plumbing today. Our water treatment specialists will analyze your water supply and recommend appropriate solutions that provide complete protection against microplastics and other contaminants.
