Fleck Microplastics Filter

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Understanding Treatment Technology and Microplastics Removal

Filtration Principles of the Fleck Microplastics Filter

The Fleck Microplastics Filter utilizes a multi-stage filtration system designed to trap microscopic plastic particles that can originate from surface water sources like those supplying Howard County. By capturing particles that standard municipal treatments do not specifically target, it helps reduce microplastic content in household water.

Particle Size Removal Capabilities

This technology targets a size range consistent with microplastics commonly discussed in water quality literature, employing physical barriers fine enough to intercept microscopic debris without compromising water flow.

System Configuration for Residential Scale

Designed for typical household demands, the Fleck System ships ready to configure for residential plumbing setups, accommodating Howard County homes' daily water use without complex adjustments.

Changes to Tap Water With Microplastics Filtration

Clarity and Particulate Reduction

Water filtered through this system usually appears clearer, with reduced visible particles that could otherwise settle or cause cloudiness, enhancing the tap water experience.

Impact on Taste and Odor

While microplastics themselves do not often affect taste or odor, removing associated particulate matter can subtly improve these sensory qualities in household water.

Consistency Over Time

Regular use maintains a consistent filtration performance, helping to sustain the reduction of microscopic particulates as water flows from the tap daily.

Aesthetic Secondary Standards Versus Health-Based Limits for Howard County

EPA Records Show No Health-Based Violations

Howard County's public water system, drawing from surface water sources, has no EPA health-based violations on record, indicating compliance with federal safety standards.

Microplastics Are Not Yet Regulated by EPA

No federal monitoring data exists for microplastics in this system or others, meaning no official health-based limits apply, and their presence or absence must be individually tested at the home level.

Aesthetic Standards Address Taste and Appearance

Although the EPA sets aesthetic secondary standards for some constituents affecting taste or staining, microplastics are not covered by these; thus, their impact is more related to physical clarity than regulated thresholds.

Fixtures, Appliances, and Processes Sensitive to Microplastics

Household Drinking Water Faucets

These are among the first points affected since filtration directly impacts the water delivered here, crucial for drinking and cooking.

Ice Makers and Water Dispensers

Appliances that rely on clear water benefit from reduced particulate load, which can prevent buildup and maintain appliance efficiency.

Tankless and Point-Of-Use Devices

Smaller systems downstream can be sensitive to particulates, so pre-filtered water helps extend their performance and lifespan.

Influence of Plumbing Materials and Age in Howard County Homes

Older Pipes Can Collect Particulates

Plumbing materials and pipe age can contribute additional microscopic debris unrelated to source water, affecting the overall particulate content by the time water reaches taps.

Microplastics Are Not Directly Linked to Plumbing Material

Microplastics primarily arise from surface water sources and urban runoff rather than household plumbing components.

Testing Your Home Water is Essential

Since the public water system record reflects system-wide sampling, testing your home's water specifically is the only way to determine microplastic presence and concentration in your household supply.

Howard County's public water system, serving over 286,000 people through surface water sources, has no EPA health-based violations on record as of latest data. For official information, consult the EPA's public water system records directly.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2020-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for HOWARD COUNTY D.P.W. DISTRIBUTION (MD0130002), surface water supply, serving 286158 people: 0 health-based violations of 3 total; lead 90th percentile 0.003 mg/L