Murphy leads multi-state push for nationwide monitoring of microplastics in drinking water
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Phil Murphy this week announced that he has joined six other governors in petitioning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to begin nationwide monitoring of microplastics in drinking water supplies, calling it a crucial step toward understanding potential contamination risks.
The multi-state petition, addressed to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, urges the agency to include microplastics in the 2027 renewal of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 6 (UCMR-6). Monitoring under the UCMR helps determine whether future drinking water standards may be warranted.
Joining Murphy on the petition were Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont.
“New Jersey is proud to lead six other states at the forefront of an emerging public health and environmental issue that affects all of us,” Murphy said. “We deserve to better understand the potential for microplastics contamination in our drinking water. We appreciate the collaborative partnership of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the environmental team at the Division of Law in the Department of Law and Public Safety in helping New Jersey take the lead on this multi-state effort.”
New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said microplastic pollution is pervasive and increasingly linked to health risks. “Pollution from microplastics is widespread across the nation and the globe, and our understanding of potential public health consequences is rapidly expanding, especially for children,” he said. “The collection of monitoring data for microplastics from the nation’s drinking water supplies is a critical first step in developing strategies and standards that will better protect the health of all Americans.”
Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch, welcomed the petition. “This is a momentous step towards gathering critical information we need about microplastics in our drinking water,” she said. “We thank Governor Murphy for his leadership on this petition, and we appreciate the other Governors who signed on. We now call on the EPA to grant this petition. People have a right to know about microplastic contamination of their drinking water.”
Microplastics — particles smaller than 5 millimeters composed of various polymers and chemical additives — are widespread in oceans, rivers, lakes, streams and even the atmosphere. They enter the environment through industrial discharges, wastewater systems, stormwater runoff, agricultural activity and the breakdown of larger plastic materials including textiles, tires and packaging.
Additional sources include microbeads in cosmetics, plastic pellets used in manufacturing, paints, plastic-coated fertilizers, mulch films, fishing nets, synthetic clothing fibers, food containers and other common consumer materials. Research shows that microplastics can travel long distances through water and air, reaching remote locations such as the Arctic and Mount Everest.
Scientists are still studying the health effects of microplastics, though concerns are growing. Their size and shape can cause physical harm to cells and tissues, while their chemical properties allow them to carry hazardous substances. Toxic chemicals that can adhere to microplastics include BPA, phthalates, PFAS, PCBs, vinyl chloride, styrene, pesticides and heavy metals.
