The federal government is taking a significant step to understand what's actually in America's drinking water. The Trump administration announced a comprehensive research initiative focused on microplastics and pharmaceuticals contaminating public water supplies, along with a $144 million program to measure, research, and remove these contaminants from the human body . This marks a major shift in how the nation approaches drinking water safety and public health.

What Are Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Your Water?

Microplastics and nanoplastics are tiny fragments of plastic that have become ubiquitous in the environment. Microplastics range from 1 nanometer to 5 millimeters in size, while nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring under 1 nanometer . These particles form in two ways: manufacturers intentionally add some to personal care products, while others develop naturally as plastic degrades over time when exposed to sunlight, heat, or physical stress.

The scale of the problem is staggering. An estimated 2.7 million tons of microplastics entered the environment in 2020, and the United Nations Environment Programme projects this could double by 2040 . A 2024 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found an average of 240,000 tiny plastic particles per liter of bottled water, with nanoplastics making up 90 percent of the total . Even more concerning, a 2025 review in the Journal of Hazardous Materials reported that bottled water drinkers ingest up to 90,000 more micro- and nanoplastics each year compared to tap water drinkers .

How Do Microplastics and Chemicals Enter Your Body?

Simply opening and closing a water bottle's cap or squeezing the bottle can release microplastics and nanoplastics into the water . Sunlight and heat accelerate this shedding process, which is why leaving plastic bottles in hot cars or direct sunlight significantly increases contamination. Once ingested, your body can absorb these particles depending on their size. Nanoplastics are particularly worrisome because they're small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and placental barrier, potentially reaching any organ in your body .

Beyond plastic particles themselves, the chemicals used to manufacture plastic containers pose additional health risks. Plastic bottles often leach harmful chemicals including bisphenol-A (BPA), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS, also called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down naturally), and phthalates . These substances are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with your body's hormone systems and can affect metabolism, fertility, and other critical functions.

Researchers have linked microplastic and nanoplastic exposure to numerous chronic health conditions. These include cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high blood pressure, infertility, kidney stones, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, neurological and cognitive effects, obesity, and stroke . Because nanoplastics can cross the placental barrier, scientists are also investigating their potential effects on fetal development.

What Is the Government Doing About Contaminated Drinking Water?

The federal government's response includes multiple coordinated efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is releasing "human health benchmarks" for 374 pharmaceuticals, which, while not enforceable, will help local water systems evaluate risks and protect their communities . Additionally, the EPA's draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List, which is published every five years under the Safe Drinking Water Act, now features both microplastics and pharmaceuticals alongside toxic PFAS, disinfection byproducts, and 75 other chemicals and nine microbes that may appear in drinking water .

"We will give the American people clear answers about what's in their bodies and what it means for their health," said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary

The $144 million research program will prioritize pregnant people, children, patients with chronic conditions, and workers in high-exposure environments . This targeted approach recognizes that certain populations face greater vulnerability to the health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics.

Pharmaceuticals represent another significant contamination concern. A 2008 Associated Press investigation found pharmaceuticals in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, with the Philadelphia Water Department reporting some of the highest levels . These pharmaceuticals, ranging from antidepressants to pain relievers, enter water systems through human waste and improper disposal. While commonly detected in waterways and tap water, current levels remain well below prescribed doses .

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Microplastics and Chemical Contaminants

• Switch to non-plastic drinkware: Stainless steel and glass bottles are eco-friendly alternatives that are less likely to leach chemicals and are the best options to avoid microplastics and nanoplastics . Stainless steel bottles often include insulation to keep drinks hot or cold for extended periods.
• Choose safer plastic types if necessary: If you must use reusable plastic bottles, select high-density polyethylene (HDPE) marked with recycling code 2 or polypropylene (PP) marked with recycling code 5, as these are generally the safest options . Avoid containers marked with recycling code 3 (which can leach phthalates), code 6 (which can leach the carcinogen styrene), or code 7 (which is most likely to contain BPA).
• Protect plastic bottles from heat and sunlight: Never leave plastic water bottles in hot cars or direct sunlight, avoid microwaving anything in plastic containers, and don't put hot liquids in plastic containers, as these conditions accelerate the shedding of microplastics and leaching of chemicals .
• Maintain your reusable bottles properly: Clean your reusable water bottle after every day of use and replace it when it shows signs of wear and tear, as damage increases the risk of microplastic and nanoplastic shedding .
• Avoid reusing single-use bottles: Single-use plastic bottles made with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are generally safe for one use only; reusing them significantly increases the risk of microplastic and nanoplastic shedding and chemical leaching .

The research initiative also reflects growing scientific urgency around microplastic health impacts. Some researchers suggest that exposure to microplastics could increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes, though experts emphasize that people are more likely to be exposed to microplastics from plastic bottles and food containers than from drinking water alone .

"The amount of microplastics in tap water is absolutely minimal compared to those other sources," explained Samantha McBride, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania who has researched microplastics.

Samantha McBride, Assistant Professor, University of Pennsylvania

The public now has an opportunity to weigh in on these efforts. The general public is encouraged to submit comments on the proposed contaminant list for 60 days , providing a chance for citizens to voice concerns about drinking water safety and support continued research into these emerging contaminants.