EPA: Monitor for Microplastics!

Almost every month, new research shows how dangerous microplastic contamination is for our health, but the EPA is failing to take this crisis seriously.

The EPA just excluded microplastics from its proposed list of emerging contaminants to monitor for in drinking water. The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule is issued only every 5 years, and we can’t wait any longer to get the information we need to win real protections from microplastics in our drinking water.

The EPA’s proposal is now open for public comment. Tell the EPA to require monitoring for microplastics in the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule!

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I am outraged that you excluded microplastics from the proposed Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). I demand that you add microplastics to the final rule. We need microplastic monitoring now.

Plastic pollution is everywhere, including in our drinking water. It’s estimated that each year, the average person consumes 4,000 or more microplastic particles from drinking water. Microplastics consumption presents a significant health risk, and microplastics exposure is linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Given the potential health risks and widespread public concern, microplastics should be included in UCMR 6. Microplastics can accumulate in cells, tissues, and organs, damaging cell walls and leading to early cell death. Studies have found microplastics are associated with intestinal inflammation, increased risks of heart attacks and strokes, and reproductive harm. On top of this, microplastics may be coated in toxic chemicals and can even adsorb additional toxic compounds, including PFAS.

Food & Water Watch filed a legal petition in November 2024, urging the EPA to begin fully understanding and addressing this major drinking water problem by including microplastics in UCMR 6. In late 2025, then-New Jersey Governor Murphy led a coalition of seven governors to submit a similar petition for microplastics monitoring.

You must grant these petitions for microplastics monitoring and include microplastics on the UCMR 6. People have a right to know if their water is contaminated with microplastics.

I demand that you include microplastics in the Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule to help pave the way for future regulation to keep our drinking water safe!

Sincerely,
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Sincerely,
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[Your Address]

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