Microplastics are everywhere—including Idaho
A 2024 College of Idaho field survey found microplastics at every Boise River sampling site, averaging 133 particles per liter (MP/L)—mostly microscopic fibers that slip straight through municipal treatment ScholarWorks. That same river system feeds groundwater wells and irrigation canals that replenish much of the Treasure Valley’s drinking supply.
Why tiny plastics raise big health questions
- The World Health Organization confirms that microplastics are present in treated tap and bottled water and calls for more monitoring because potential health impacts remain under‑studied (World Health Organization).
- Researchers estimate we may already ingest a credit‑card’s worth of plastic each week, and lab studies link these particles to cell damage, hormone disruption, and cardiovascular risk (Food & Water Watch).
- A January 2024 NIH study detected hundreds of thousands of nanoplastic fragments in common bottled‑water brands, proving that “switching to bottles” is not a fix (National Institutes of Health (NIH)).
How microplastics slip past standard filters
Most city plants rely on sand beds and chlorination designed to kill microbes, not capture particles smaller than five microns. Fridge pitchers and faucet cartridges typically use granular carbon rated for taste—and clog long before they trap the statistically smaller nanoplastics.
AquaKlear’s three‑stage defense against microplastics
- Five‑micron sediment guard stops visible rust, sand, and the largest plastic fragments before they foul downstream media.
- High‑density catalytic carbon adsorbs pesticides and volatile organic compounds that often ride on plastic surfaces.
- Ultrafiltration membrane (rated 0.02 micron) physically blocks both micro‑ and nanoplastics along with 99.99 percent of bacteria and cysts.
Benefits Idaho homeowners report
- Cleaner‑tasting water with no chemical or “textile” after‑notes.
- Softer skin and hair thanks to plastics‑free showers.
- Peace of mind for parents mixing infant formula or filling pet bowls.
Take the next step
Book a complimentary in‑home water analysis. AquaKlear technicians will measure turbidity and particle load, then size a system that delivers bottle‑quality water to every tap—without adding mountains of single‑use plastic.