Does Zephyrhills Water Have Microplastics? The Facts Behind Bottled Purity

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2018 study by Orb Media found that 93% of bottled water samples tested globally contained microplastic contamination. This raises a critical question for consumers of popular brands: Does Zephyrhills water have microplastics, and what does this mean for safety and purity?

Quick Summary

Studies reveal bottled water, in general, is highly likely to contain microplastics from the bottle and cap. While not specific to Zephyrhills, the systemic nature of contamination suggests its presence. Potential health effects are under investigation, prompting a focus on reducing plastic exposure.

Key Points

Industry-Wide Issue: Major studies have found that microplastic contamination is widespread across virtually all bottled water brands, including those sourced from springs, suggesting Zephyrhills likely contains microplastics.
Bottling Process is a Key Source: Particles are not just from the environment; they are shed directly from the plastic bottles and caps during the bottling, storage, and handling processes.
Health Effects are Unclear: While the WHO considers the current health risk from microplastics in drinking water to be low, research is ongoing, particularly concerning smaller nanoplastic particles that may enter the bloodstream.
Tap Water is a Safer Alternative: In many cases, filtered tap water contains significantly fewer microplastics than bottled water, and is more frequently tested for safety.
Reduce Your Exposure: Simple actions like filtering tap water and using reusable glass or stainless steel bottles can substantially decrease your intake of microplastics.

The Ubiquitous Problem of Microplastics in Bottled Water

Microplastic contamination is a pervasive and well-documented issue affecting the entire bottled water industry, not just a single brand. These minuscule plastic fragments enter the water from various points in the product lifecycle, from the water source itself to the final bottling process. A landmark 2018 study conducted by Orb Media, a non-profit journalism organization, sent shockwaves through the industry by revealing that 93% of the bottled water they tested, which included a range of international brands, was contaminated with microplastics. The average concentration was 10.4 particles per liter for those larger than 100 microns. More recently, a 2024 study from Columbia and Rutgers universities discovered even higher concentrations of nanoplastics, finding an average of 240,000 plastic fragments per liter.

How Do Microplastics Get Into Bottled Water?

Microplastics are not just an external problem; they are intrinsic to the very production and packaging of bottled water. The primary sources of contamination include:

The Bottle Itself: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), the plastic most commonly used for water bottles, can shed particles, especially when exposed to heat, rough handling, or repeated use.
The Bottle Cap: Studies have identified the bottle cap, often made from polypropylene (PP), as a significant source of microplastic contamination due to the abrasion that occurs when it's twisted and opened.
The Bottling Process: The machinery used to clean, fill, and cap bottles can introduce airborne plastic particles into the water during production.
Source Water: Although many bottled water companies filter their water, microplastics can still exist in the source water, as microplastic pollution is now ubiquitous in the environment.

What Does This Mean for Zephyrhills Water?

Given that Zephyrhills is a major bottled water brand packaged in plastic, it operates within the same industry context as other brands affected by microplastic contamination. While no specific public study has been widely circulated regarding the exact microplastic count in Zephyrhills, it is reasonable to conclude, based on the broader scientific evidence, that its water is highly likely to contain microplastics. The issue is systemic to the plastic packaging used across the industry, not a unique problem for any single brand. The most common polymers found in bottled water, like PET and PP, are the same plastics used in Zephyrhills' packaging.

Are There Health Concerns Associated with Microplastics?

The health effects of ingesting microplastics are an area of active and ongoing research, and definitive conclusions about long-term impacts on humans are still developing. However, some initial findings are concerning:

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in a 2019 report that based on available evidence, microplastics in drinking water pose a 'low concern' for human health, but stressed that more research is needed.
Conversely, some studies suggest that microplastics can cause cell damage and trigger immune responses. Smaller nanoplastic particles are especially worrying as they may be able to cross biological barriers and accumulate in tissues.
Beyond the plastic particles themselves, these materials can carry other harmful chemicals, which may leach into the water.

Making Informed Choices About Your Water

For consumers concerned about microplastics, understanding the trade-offs between bottled and tap water is crucial. While both sources can contain microplastics, bottled water typically has higher levels, and tap water is often subject to more frequent regulatory testing in developed countries.


Feature	Plastic Bottled Water	Tap Water (Municipal)
Microplastic Count	Generally higher levels, especially with nanoplastics	Generally lower, but not microplastic-free
Sourcing	Can be from a spring or municipal source; processing and packaging add contamination	Treated and filtered, but can pick up microplastics from pipes
Cost	Significantly more expensive per gallon	Very low cost per gallon
Regulation	Regulated by the FDA (in the U.S.); less frequent testing required compared to municipal water	Regulated by the EPA (in the U.S.); subject to more frequent testing and stringent standards
Packaging	Single-use plastic is a major source of contamination and environmental pollution	No plastic packaging at the point of delivery; requires reusable container

How to Reduce Your Microplastic Exposure

Making conscious decisions about your drinking water can significantly cut down on your microplastic intake. Here are some actionable steps:

Choose Reusable Containers: Opt for bottles and food storage made from glass or stainless steel instead of plastic.
Filter Your Tap Water: Installing a reverse osmosis filter is one of the most effective methods for removing microplastics and other contaminants from your tap water. Other options include activated carbon filters and boiling tap water.
Avoid Heating Plastic: Never microwave food or water in plastic containers, as heat can cause plastic particles to leach into your food and beverages.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Minimize your consumption of all single-use plastics to reduce overall plastic pollution.
Properly Store Bottles: Avoid leaving plastic bottled water in hot environments like a car, as heat can accelerate the shedding of plastic particles.

Conclusion

While a brand-specific study on Zephyrhills water and microplastics is not available, the overwhelming evidence from industry-wide research indicates that microplastic contamination is an expected component of all plastic-bottled water. Both the Orb Media and Columbia/Rutgers studies confirm this reality, attributing significant contamination to the plastic packaging itself. Although the WHO suggests the immediate health risk is low based on current data, the full implications of microplastic ingestion are still being investigated, especially regarding smaller particles. Consumers can take proactive steps to limit their exposure by prioritizing filtered tap water and using reusable, non-plastic containers, reducing their environmental footprint and potential health risks. To learn more about broader microplastic research and safety, visit the World Health Organization's microplastics in drinking water page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, because while spring water may be purer at the source, microplastics are introduced during the bottling process from the plastic bottle, the cap, and other machinery.

No, most microplastics found in bottled water are too small to be seen without a microscope. A 2018 study found most particles were between 6.5 and 100 micrometers in size.

Advanced filtration systems like Reverse Osmosis are highly effective at removing microplastics. Even a simpler method like boiling tap water can trap microplastics in mineral deposits, which can then be filtered.

It is extremely difficult to find bottled water that is 100% microplastic-free due to the omnipresence of plastic in the environment and manufacturing. Glass bottles are a better option, but can still be contaminated.

Yes, exposure to heat, such as leaving a bottle in a hot car, can increase the rate at which plastics break down and shed particles into the water.

The health risks are not yet fully understood, and more research is needed, especially on nanoplastics. Initial studies raise concerns about potential damage and accumulation, but the WHO has called the current risk 'low concern'.

While authorities haven't deemed it unsafe based on current evidence, research shows bottled water often contains more microplastics than tap water. Switching to filtered tap water in a reusable bottle is a conscious choice to minimize exposure.