Developing Strategic Consumer Messaging for Microplastics in Drinking Water Supplies

Although studies have shown that microplastics are widespread across the planet, analytical methods are both cumbersome and limited, and there is still much to learn about the impact of microplastics on human and ecological health. To properly address concerns from the public and the media about the implications of microplastics in drinking water, it is essential to conduct proactive research to anticipate and understand these concerns, develop appropriate and accurate responses, and communicate with a consistent voice. This project built necessary water sector knowledge about the microplastics issues of greatest consumer interest and proactively generated communications resources to address those concerns. Research partners: Charlotte Water, El Paso Water, Fallbrook Public Utility District, Great Lakes Water Authority, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, and Rainbow Municipal Water District. Published in 2024.