Why is the EPA's omission of microplastics from its new drinking-water monitoring rule raising concerns?

The EPA's new monitoring rule, announced on June 26 and published in the Federal Register on July 1, focuses on collecting data for 30 unregulated chemicals—including ultrashort PFAS and pesticides—but explicitly omits microplastics; this omission draws concerns because it leaves a widely detected and increasingly studied contaminant unaddressed in a major federal effort to inform future drinking water protections, despite growing scientific and public health attention to microplastic exposure via tap water.

What is the stated purpose of the EPA's upcoming monitoring effort for unregulated chemicals in drinking water?

According to EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water Jessica Kramer, as quoted in the agency’s press release, 'The information we collect through this important monitoring effort will inform the agency’s future decisions to protect drinking water for Americans nationwide.' The effort targets 30 unregulated chemicals—including ultrashort per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and pesticides—and is set to begin soon following the proposal’s announcement on June 26 and its publication in the Federal Register on July 1.

EPA Omits Microplastics from Water-Monitoring Rule, Drawing Concerns

Jul 1, 2026

The US EPA proposed monitoring 30 unregulated chemicals like PFAS and pesticides in drinking water but excluded microplastics, sparking concerns despite officials citing future protection efforts.

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