Pentair Microplastics Filter

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Local Water System and Source Overview

Pierce County is served primarily by the Tacoma Water Division City of water system, which draws water from surface water sources. This system supplies water to over 440,000 residents through more than 155,000 connections. While federal data confirms multiple health-based violations unrelated to microplastics, there is no federal or local government monitoring data for microplastics in this water system. Understanding microplastics in household water requires additional insight beyond municipal records.

Household Symptoms That Do and Do Not Indicate Microplastics Presence

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that can enter water supplies from various sources, especially surface waters, due to runoff and environmental pollution. Symptoms in household water that might suggest microplastic presence include unusual particulate matter visible in filtered residues or sediment settling over time in water containers or appliances. However, discolored water, typical sediment from other sources, or taste and odor changes are not reliable indicators of microplastics. Confirming microplastics presence requires certified laboratory testing, as visual or sensory clues are insufficient.

Long-Term Impacts of Untreated Microplastics in Residential Water

Leaving microplastics untreated in household water could lead to gradual accumulation of particulates in plumbing fixtures and appliances, potentially affecting their longevity and performance. While health effects from microplastics in drinking water remain under study, persistent particulate matter could influence water quality aesthetics and equipment function over time. Monitoring and filtration can reduce these particles, offering potential benefits in water clarity and maintenance.

Influence of Plumbing Material and Age Independent of Source Water

Plumbing materials and system age can affect particulate levels in water independently of source contamination. Older pipes may introduce additional particulates due to corrosion or pipe wear, which differ from environmental microplastics. Understanding these distinctions is important before attributing water quality issues exclusively to source water or microplastics. Documentation and inspection of household plumbing can help differentiate these factors.

Essential Information for Treatment Discussions

Before choosing a treatment method, note the following:

• The water source type (surface water, in this case)
• Any known municipal water quality reports and violations unrelated to microplastics
• Household plumbing materials and age
• Results from certified water testing, especially focused on microplastics
• Specific household symptoms or concerns related to water clarity or particulates

Considerations of Source Type and Sampling Depth

Since Tacoma's water source is surface water, the potential for microplastics presence is generally greater than in deep groundwater sources, due to environmental exposure to plastics from runoff. Sample depth and location matter: tap sampling captures combined effects from source water and household plumbing, while source point sampling isolates the water system input. Testing plans should consider these factors to clarify microplastics impact.

In summary, Pierce County’s public water system record addresses multiple health-based issues but does not include microplastics monitoring. This record covers the municipal system serving a large population via surface water. For details, consult the EPA SDWIS public water system database.

When exploring treatment options, the Pentair Microplastics Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce microplastic particles effectively when confirmed present by testing.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for TACOMA WATER DIVISION CITY OF (WA5386800), surface water supply, serving 446170 people: 9 health-based violations of 12 total; lead 90th percentile 0 mg/L