You've probably seen the headlines , microplastics are showing up everywhere, from the ocean to mountaintops, and yes, even in Colorado's rivers and streams. For Denver-area families, that's understandably concerning. A 2023 survey found microplastics in 100% of Colorado's sampled waterways, including the Boulder Creek watershed and other Front Range sources. While municipal water treatment plants do an impressive job removing most of these tiny particles, some can still slip through standard filtration processes. The good news? With the right home filtration system , like reverse osmosis or a properly designed whole house water filter , you can take practical steps to reduce microplastic exposure in your drinking and cooking water.

What are microplastics and where do they come from?

Quick Summary for Colorado Homeowners: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (5 mm or smaller) that come from the breakdown of larger plastic items, synthetic clothing fibers, single-use plastics, and even aging PVC plumbing. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years and have been detected throughout Colorado's water sources.

Let's break this down simply. Microplastics aren't a specific type of plastic , they're just really, really small pieces of any plastic. Think of them as the dust left behind when larger plastic items (water bottles, straws, packaging, plastic bags) break down over time. At 5 millimeters or smaller in diameter, many are invisible to the naked eye.

In Colorado, microplastics reach our water through several pathways:

• Degrading plastic at landfills that leaches into groundwater
• Direct pollution of lakes, rivers, and streams from litter and runoff
• Synthetic fibers from laundry washing into wastewater systems (yes, that fleece jacket sheds tiny plastic fibers every time you wash it)
• Breakdown of aging water infrastructure, including PVC pipes in older homes
• Airborne particles that settle on Denver-area reservoirs , research shows ocean spray can carry microplastics up to 95 kilometers away

Single-use plastics remain the primary culprit. Every disposable water bottle, takeout container, and plastic straw eventually breaks down into thousands of microplastic fragments.

Are microplastics in Denver's tap water?

Quick Summary for Colorado Homeowners: Microplastics have been detected in Colorado's source water (rivers, reservoirs, snowmelt), but municipal treatment plants like Denver Water are effectively removing most of them. However, standard purification doesn't catch everything, and microplastics can accumulate in home plumbing systems.

Here's the honest answer: Yes, microplastics are present in Front Range water sources, including Boulder Creek and the watersheds that feed Denver's municipal supply. But before you panic, there's important context.

The City of Boulder's testing found microplastics in their source water but not in the finished drinking water coming out of taps. Denver Water and other municipal utilities use multi-stage treatment processes that remove large debris and many microplastic particles. However, water treatment facilities haven't precisely identified which specific treatment steps are doing the heavy lifting, and some microplastics can still slip through standard municipal purification.

What does that mean for your home? Even if your city water starts out clean, microplastics can re-enter your water through:

• Aging pipes in your neighborhood or home (especially older PVC)
• Stagnant water sitting in plumbing after long periods (like when you're on vacation)
• Cross-contamination from fixtures and fittings

And here's the reality: microplastics in drinking water remain unregulated by federal EPA standards. While Front Range utilities like Boulder and Denver are part of a consortium monitoring emerging contaminants, there are no official limits or mandatory removal requirements yet.

Should Colorado homeowners be worried about health effects?

Quick Summary for Colorado Homeowners: Research on human health impacts is still evolving, but microplastics may carry harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, potentially cause low-level inflammation, and affect immune and hormone systems over time. Marine life studies show concerning effects like stunted growth and organ inflammation.

Let's be real : scientists are still figuring out exactly what microplastics do to human health over the long term. But here's what we know so far:

Chemical hitchhikers: Microplastics often carry harmful chemical pollutants stuck to their surfaces, including phthalates (used to make plastics flexible) and bisphenol A (BPA), both of which are known endocrine disruptors.

Gut concerns: Some research suggests microplastics may cause low-level inflammation in the digestive tract, though studies are ongoing.

Long-term exposure risks: Scientists are investigating whether consistent ingestion might affect hormone systems, immune function, and even cellular health over decades of exposure.

In marine organisms (where research is further along), the effects are already documented: stunted growth, reduced fertility, organ inflammation, and increased mortality rates.

Nobody's saying Denver tap water is unsafe : it meets all current federal standards. But "safe" and "ideal" aren't always the same thing. For families who want an extra layer of protection, especially for young children or anyone with compromised immune systems, reducing microplastic exposure makes sense.

What filtration systems actually remove microplastics?

Quick Summary for Colorado Homeowners: Reverse osmosis systems can remove up to 99% of microplastics, BPA, and phthalates. Whole-house filtration with sub-micron sediment filters (0.5–1 micron) can trap particles before they spread through your plumbing. Standard pitcher filters and refrigerator filters aren't designed for this.

Not all water filters are created equal when it comes to microplastics. Here's the breakdown:

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the gold standard. These systems force water through an extremely fine membrane that blocks particles, chemicals, and contaminants down to 0.0001 microns. That means they can remove up to 99% of phthalates, BPA, and microplastic particles from your drinking water. RO systems are typically installed under the sink and provide filtered water at a dedicated tap for drinking and cooking.

Whole-house water filtration systems with sub-micron sediment filters (0.5–1 micron) can trap microplastics before they reach any faucet, shower, or appliance in your home. This approach protects your entire plumbing system and ensures every drop of water : whether you're filling a glass, cooking pasta, or washing vegetables : is filtered.

What doesn't work? Standard carbon pitcher filters (like basic Brita pitchers) and most refrigerator filters aren't designed to capture particles as small as microplastics. They're great for improving taste and reducing chlorine, but they won't address this particular concern.

For Denver-area homes, combining a whole-house filtration system with a dedicated reverse osmosis unit at the kitchen sink often provides the most comprehensive protection.

How can I reduce microplastics in my Colorado home's water?

Quick Summary for Colorado Homeowners: Professional filtration upgrades and proper plumbing maintenance are the most effective steps. Start with in-home water testing to identify your specific needs, then install appropriate filtration based on your results.

Here's the practical game plan:

Step 1: Get your water tested professionally

You can't fix what you can't measure. In-home water testing identifies not just microplastics concerns but also hardness, chlorine levels, PFAS, lead, and other contaminants specific to your neighborhood and plumbing system. Denver-area water quality varies significantly between Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Arvada, and downtown : what works for one home might be overkill (or insufficient) for another.

Step 2: Upgrade to appropriate filtration

Based on your test results, a licensed water treatment professional can design a system tailored to your home. This might include:

• A point-of-use reverse osmosis system for drinking and cooking water
• A whole-house system with sub-micron sediment filtration for comprehensive protection
• A water softener if Denver's hard water is also causing scale buildup (which can trap contaminants in your pipes)

Step 3: Maintain your plumbing

Even with great filtration, good plumbing habits help:

• Run cold water for 30–60 seconds after long periods of inactivity (overnight, vacations) to flush stagnant water
• Use NSF/ANSI-certified lead-free fixtures when replacing faucets or pipes
• Replace filter cartridges on schedule : a clogged filter can't do its job

Step 4: Reduce plastic use overall

While home filtration protects your water, reducing plastic consumption helps the bigger picture. Swap single-use water bottles for a reusable bottle filled from your RO tap. Use natural-fiber laundry bags to catch synthetic microfibers. Choose glass or stainless steel food storage over plastic when possible.

Why work with Aqua Serve for microplastic concerns?

Quick Summary for Colorado Homeowners: Aqua Serve has over 30 years of experience serving Denver-area homeowners with custom water filtration solutions. As a Brita PRO authorized dealer, we design, install, and maintain systems specifically for Colorado's unique water challenges : from hard water to emerging contaminants like microplastics and PFAS.

Look, microplastics are a relatively new concern, and most homeowners aren't water treatment experts (nor should you have to be). That's where working with a local, experienced team makes all the difference.

Aqua Serve specializes in Denver Metro water issues. We understand how altitude, seasonal snowmelt, aging infrastructure, and municipal treatment differences affect water quality from Parker to Broomfield. Our technicians are licensed, insured, and trained on the latest filtration technologies : including systems designed to handle emerging contaminants that weren't even on the radar a decade ago.

When you schedule a free consultation, we bring professional testing equipment to your home, analyze your specific water chemistry, and design a filtration solution that actually matches your needs (not a one-size-fits-all package). Whether that's a compact under-sink RO unit, a whole-house system, or a combination approach, you'll get honest recommendations and transparent pricing.

Plus, we handle the entire installation and provide ongoing maintenance support. Your filters get changed on schedule, your system stays under warranty, and you have a local team to call if anything ever needs attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Denver home has microplastics in the water?

The only way to know for sure is through professional water testing. Visual inspection won't work : most microplastics are too small to see. Schedule an in-home water quality test to get a baseline analysis of what's in your specific water supply, including contaminants like microplastics, PFAS, lead, and hardness minerals.

Can I just use a Brita pitcher to remove microplastics?

Standard pitcher filters aren't designed to capture microplastic particles. They're effective for improving taste and reducing chlorine, but won't address microplastics. For that level of filtration, you need a reverse osmosis system or a whole-house filter with sub-micron sediment filtration.

Do water softeners remove microplastics?

Water softeners are designed specifically to remove hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium), not microplastics. However, pairing a water softener with a filtration system can provide comprehensive water treatment : addressing both Denver's notoriously hard water and microplastic concerns.

Are microplastics worse in certain Denver neighborhoods?

Microplastics can be present anywhere, but older neighborhoods with aging PVC plumbing infrastructure may have slightly higher risks of particle shedding from pipes. Homes near industrial areas or major roadways might also see higher contamination from runoff and airborne particles. Testing is the only way to know your specific situation.

How often should I change filters if I'm worried about microplastics?

RO membranes typically last 2–3 years, while pre-filters and sediment filters should be changed every 6–12 months depending on your water quality and usage. Whole-house system filters may need replacement annually. Sticking to the manufacturer's recommended schedule ensures your system continues trapping microplastics effectively.

Does Aqua Serve test specifically for microplastics?

Our comprehensive water testing service evaluates your water for a range of contaminants and characteristics. While specialized microplastic testing requires lab analysis, we assess overall water quality and recommend filtration systems proven to remove microplastics based on their particle size and chemical composition.

Ready to take the next step? Protecting your family's water doesn't have to be complicated. Schedule a free in-home water evaluation with Aqua Serve, and we'll test your water, explain what we find in plain English, and design a filtration solution that fits your home and budget. Serving Denver Metro and surrounding areas including Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lakewood, Arvada, Thornton, and Broomfield since 1994.

Last updated: February 2026