Autotrol Microplastics Filter

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If you know your water source is surface water, what should you expect about microplastics?

Bennington’s public water system obtains its supply entirely from surface water. Surface water sources—such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs—are more exposed to environmental contaminants, including microplastics, compared to groundwater. However, no government monitoring data currently exists for microplastics in Bennington's water system or any federal dataset. This absence means there is no official measurement to indicate whether microplastics are present or in what amounts. While surface water may be more prone to microplastic presence due to factors like runoff and pollution, each household cannot assume their water contains them without specific testing.

If you observe cloudy water, unusual particles, or taste changes, are these symptoms definite indicators of microplastics?

Visible particles or changes in water taste and appearance can have many causes unrelated to microplastics. These issues might stem from plumbing materials, sediment disturbance, or organic matter rather than microplastic contamination. Microplastics are microscopic and typically not visible to the naked eye. If your previous filtration equipment failed, residual effects could also cause water appearance changes. Therefore, such household symptoms do not confirm microplastic presence and should be investigated through appropriate water testing before concluding the cause.

If you review Bennington Water Department’s public system records, how do they help and limit your understanding of microplastic risk?

The Bennington Water Department serves over 13,000 residents with surface water and records some EPA health-based violations unrelated to microplastics. Lead levels and other contaminants are regularly sampled and documented. However, the system does not monitor microplastics at this time, so these records do not provide information on that issue. The data verify that the source water and distribution system comply with health standards unrelated to microplastics but cannot confirm or exclude their presence.

If you consider the number of samples and wells behind the Bennington water data, what does that say about microplastics information?

The EPA data for Bennington’s public water system comes from a large number of samples focused on regulated contaminants. However, there is no sampling recorded for microplastics. The absence of data is not evidence that microplastics are absent, but rather that this constituent has not been evaluated in routine monitoring. Without testing specific to microplastics, no conclusion on their status in Bennington water can be drawn.

If your previous filtration system failed and you seek a solution, what maintenance should you expect with the Autotrol Microplastics Filter?

The Autotrol Microplastics Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce microscopic plastic particles that standard treatments may not address. Maintenance rhythms depend on household water usage and water quality but generally involve routine filter replacement cycles to maintain effectiveness. Regular maintenance ensures continuous particle removal, preventing accumulation inside plumbing or appliances after equipment failure has compromised water treatment.

If you look at seasonal or multi-year variation in Bennington’s water record, what is relevant for microplastics?

Bennington’s water quality data show fluctuations for regulated parameters over time, reflecting natural changes in source water and treatment conditions. Although microplastics data is lacking, it is reasonable to consider that their potential presence in surface water could vary seasonally due to rain, runoff, and environmental factors. Since microplastics are not part of routine monitoring, any seasonal trend remains unknown. Testing your own water specifically for microplastics is necessary to assess current conditions.

What you should NOT conclude from Bennington-area data: The lack of official microplastics monitoring in the public system record does not imply your home’s water is free from microplastics. Conversely, it does not prove contamination exists. Only direct water testing at your household can establish the presence and level of microplastics. If your previous water treatment equipment failed, considering a specialized solution like the Autotrol Microplastics Filter can help address this concern based on your testing results and treatment needs.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2023-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for BENNINGTON WATER DEPT (VT0005016), surface water supply, serving 13250 people: 4 health-based violations of 15 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0132 mg/L