Microplastics in Drinking Water: Can a Filter Help?

Puretec under-sink filter beside a crushed plastic bottle – less microplastics

Puretec says any water supply can contain microplastics. Its quick-twist Ultra Z and Z Shield cartridges – including the Z1-R and Z6-R used in our under-sink systems – are promoted by Puretec as “certified to reduce microplastics in drinking water”. They use multi-stage fine filtration down to 0.1 micron (nominal), fitted under the sink and connected to your existing mixer tap or a dedicated filter tap.

How filtration reduces microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles. Fine filtration physically traps particles as water passes through the cartridge. Puretec’s Ultra Z filtration technology uses an advanced three-stage process to filter water down to 0.1 micron (nominal), reducing sediment, chlorine, bad taste and odour, and protecting against cysts and bacteria such as E. coli.

Systems and cartridges Puretec promotes for microplastic reduction

PureMix Z6 with the Z6-R cartridge – 0.1 micron (nominal), up to 9.5 Lpm, connects to your existing mixer tap with no extra tap. Puretec rates the cartridge at up to 60,000 litres of filtration capacity.
Z1 systems with the Z1-R cartridge – 0.1 micron (nominal), used in Puretec Z1 systems such as the Z1-T series with Tripla mixer taps, the Tripla Elite kits and the Z18.
CO-UZ150 Ultra Z cartridge – a 15″ food service cartridge with 0.1 micron filtration and a built-in scale inhibitor.

A note on the microplastics claim

Puretec’s marketing material states these cartridges are certified to reduce microplastics in drinking water, but the material we hold does not name the test standard or the percentage reduction. If you need those details for a specific model, contact us and we will confirm them with Puretec. Puretec does not make a microplastics claim for every filter in its range, so check before you buy.

Less bottled water, less plastic

Puretec also points out that filtered water on tap can mean spending less on bottled water and cutting down on plastic waste – “less microplastics in your drinking water, less microplastics in our oceans”.

Looking after your cartridge

Quick-twist cartridges are designed for DIY changes: Puretec’s valve-in-head design means no need to turn off the water supply. After fitting a new cartridge, Puretec says to flush the unit for 5–10 minutes before use or until the water runs clear.

Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.

Frequently asked questions

Do all water filters reduce microplastics?

Not necessarily. The microplastics claims in Puretec’s material relate to specific Ultra Z and Z Shield quick-twist cartridges, such as the Z1-R, Z6-R and CO-UZ150.

Do I need a new tap?

Not with the PureMix Z6 – Puretec designs it to connect to your existing mixer tap, so no separate filter tap is needed.

How often should I change a Z6-R cartridge?

Puretec rates the Z6-R at up to 60,000 litres of filtration capacity. How long that lasts depends on your household’s water use.

Does a whole-house filter reduce microplastics?

The Puretec material we hold only makes microplastic claims for its under-sink Ultra Z and Z Shield cartridges. Contact us if you would like us to check a specific system.

Questions? Call or text 0447 203 775 or email [email protected] and we will help you choose.