Microplastics in Androscoggin County: Understanding Auburn’s Water System Role
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WSP Whole House Microplastics Reduction System
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Understanding Auburn’s Water Source and Distribution
The Auburn Water District uses surface water drawn to serve over 17,000 residents through about 6,900 connections.
Surface water sources are common origins where microplastics can enter drinking water due to environmental runoff and urban activity.
Federal data do not include microplastics monitoring for Auburn’s water system, leaving household-level testing as the only way to confirm presence or levels.
The Role of Household Plumbing Age and Materials
Plumbing materials older than a few decades can influence water quality independently of the source.
Microplastics concerns should be distinguished from particles introduced by pipe degradation or plumbing sediment.
Lead measurements from December 2023 show low lead levels overall but reflect distribution system samples, not microplastics concentration.
Essential Details to Record Before Treatment Consultation
Document your water supply type: public surface water system by Auburn Water District.
Note household plumbing age and any recent changes to pipes or water-using appliances.
Consider having a certified laboratory test a tap water sample specifically for microplastics using recognized methods.
Factors Related to Source and Sampling Depth
Sample depth and location affect detection; surface water sources like Auburn’s system may show more variability in particulates compared to deep wells.
Testing tap water directly captures the combined effects of source water and household plumbing.
Municipal treatment processes recorded suggest multiple stages addressing suspended solids but do not specifically measure microplastics removal.
Differentiating Microplastics from Similar Water Quality Issues
Microplastics are distinct from natural sediments, chemical contaminants, and corrosion byproducts in appearance and source.
Unlike microbial or chemical contaminants, microplastics are physical particles that may affect aesthetic quality but currently show no health-based violation in Auburn’s public record.
Distinguishing microplastics aids targeted testing and treatment decisions.
Aesthetic and Health Standards Related to Particulates
Aesthetic secondary standards cover taste, staining, and corrosivity; these differ from EPA’s health-based limits.
Microplastics are not regulated by EPA health-based limits and do not appear in Auburn’s violation record.
Understanding these distinctions helps interpret water testing results correctly and avoid undue concern.
Closing Thoughts and Solutions
For households in Auburn seeking to reduce potential microplastics in tap water, documenting water source, plumbing characteristics, and obtaining specific testing results is essential before considering treatment options.
The C-Series Microplastics Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to address particulate contaminants including microplastics, helping households tailor treatment according to their water quality findings.
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 AUBURN WATER DISTRICT (ME0090070), surface water supply, serving 17245 people: 2 health-based violations of 4 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0062 mg/L