Best Water Filters for Microplastics UK (2026)
72% of UK tap water contains microplastics. Here's how to remove them.
Key Takeaways
- Reverse osmosis removes 99%+ of ALL microplastics and nanoplastics
- Carbon block filters (under 1 micron) remove larger microplastics at lower cost
- Bottled water is worse - contains 22x more microplastics than tap water
- Budget option from £59 - premium RO systems from £399
Let me be direct: microplastics are in your tap water. A 2018 study found 72% of UK tap water samples contained microplastic particles. These tiny plastic fragments (under 5mm) come from packaging breakdown, synthetic clothing fibres, and industrial processes.
The health effects of microplastics are still being studied, but early research links them to inflammation, oxidative stress, and potential hormone disruption. If you're concerned (and I think you should be), here are the filters that actually work.
Best Value: Waterdrop 10UA
Waterdrop 10UA Under Sink Filter
£59.48
NSF 42/53 certified carbon block filter with 0.5 micron pore size. Removes chlorine, lead, VOCs, and microplastics larger than 0.5 microns. Won't remove nanoplastics (under 1 micron), but handles most microplastic contamination at a fraction of RO cost.
Best Overall: Waterdrop G3P600
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
£399
Tankless RO system with 0.0001 micron membrane. Removes 99%+ of ALL microplastics AND nanoplastics - the only technology that catches the smallest particles. Also removes PFAS, lead, fluoride, arsenic, and virtually every other contaminant.
Microplastics Removal: Filter Types Compared
| Filter Type | Pore Size | Microplastics | Nanoplastics | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Osmosis | 0.0001 micron | 99%+ | 99%+ | £200-500 |
| Carbon Block (fine) | 0.5-1 micron | Most (>1μm) | No | £50-150 |
| Jug Filter | 20-50 micron | Some large only | No | £20-40 |
| Boiling | N/A | No effect | No effect | Free |
Don't Switch to Bottled Water
If you're worried about microplastics, bottled water is NOT the answer. A 2018 study found bottled water contains an average of 325 microplastic particles per litre - compared to just 14.8 in tap water. That's 22x more microplastics. The plastic bottles themselves shed particles into the water, especially when stored in warm conditions. Filtered tap water is the safest option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do water filters remove microplastics?
Yes, certain water filters effectively remove microplastics. Reverse osmosis systems remove 99%+ of microplastics. Activated carbon block filters with pore sizes under 1 micron can remove larger microplastics (5+ microns). Look for NSF 401 certification which tests for emerging contaminants including microplastics.
Are there microplastics in UK tap water?
Yes. Studies have found microplastics in UK tap water, though at lower levels than bottled water. A 2018 study found 72% of UK tap water samples contained microplastics. The main sources are plastic packaging breakdown, synthetic clothing fibres, and industrial processes. UK water treatment removes some but not all microplastics.
What size filter removes microplastics?
Microplastics range from 1 micron to 5mm. To remove most microplastics, you need a filter with pore size under 1 micron. Reverse osmosis membranes (0.0001 microns) remove virtually all microplastics. Carbon block filters typically have 0.5-1 micron pores, removing larger microplastics but not nanoplastics.
Is bottled water better than tap water for microplastics?
No - bottled water typically contains MORE microplastics than tap water. A 2018 study found bottled water contained 22x more microplastics than tap water on average. The plastic bottles themselves shed particles into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. Filtered tap water is the best option.
🎯 Find Your Filter Level
From basic taste improvement to complete home protection — see what each level removes
Level 1: Jug Filters
£20-40Basic chlorine & taste improvement
Level 2: Undersink Carbon
£80-150Chlorine, taste & basic contaminants
Level 3: Multi-Stage Systems
£150-300Lead, PFAS, microplastics & more
Level 4: Reverse Osmosis
£200-400Near-complete contaminant removal
Level 5: Whole-House Systems
£500-2000+Every tap protected + appliance life
💡 Most UK homes benefit from Level 2-3. Lead pipes or health concerns? Consider Level 3-4.
About Keith
Mechanical engineer with 24 years of water filtration experience
Keith has spent over two decades working with water systems across the UK. His engineering background and hands-on experience with water quality testing provide the technical foundation for Filter Authority's practical, evidence-based guidance.
Read full bio and methodologyRelated Reading
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