In this interview at AWWA ACE26, WaterWorld Editor-in-Chief, Mandy Crispin and VP and Director Applied Research, Brent Alspach discuss the evolving science of microplastics in drinking water, the challenges of developing meaningful regulations, and what water utilities should do to prepare for future policy changes. Alspach explains why the term “microplastics” is commonly used to describe a broad range of plastic particles, including nanoplastics, and explores how public concern is increasingly driving conversations around regulation despite significant scientific gaps that remain.

The conversation examines why creating a regulatory definition for microplastics is uniquely complex compared to traditional drinking water contaminants. Alspach highlights the wide range of particle sizes, polymer types and characteristics that fall under the microplastics umbrella, making standardization difficult. He also discusses the challenges researchers face in understanding health impacts, identifying drinking water’s contribution relative to other exposure pathways, and developing consistent sampling and analytical methods.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:18 – What has changed in the understanding of microplastics since ACE25

02:58 – Why defining microplastics for regulation is so challenging

06:30 – Identifying drinking water’s role in potential human exposure

08:26 – Why regulation remains a long way off despite growing interest

09:19 – Biggest challenges utilities could face under future regulations

10:19 – Are existing drinking water treatment processes removing microplastics effectively?

14:28 – Housekeeping