Preparing for Microplastics Regulation: A Practical Roadmap for Local Governments and Water Utilities

By:

NLC Partnerships

November 4, 2026 - (4 min read)

Authored by Charlotte J Haberstroh, Ph.D., P.E.* , Water Resources Engineer, Microplastics Research & Strategy Leader, Black & Veatch

If you’ve worked in local government or the water sector, you’ve seen how quickly a technical issue can become a public concern. PFAS offers a recent example.

What started as a scientific, regulatory discussion about “forever chemicals” quickly became a community conversation. Residents sought answers and regulators invoked new requirements, and water utilities continue to face challenges regarding compliance, spending and public communication.

Attention is now shifting to microplastics in drinking water, wastewater, food and air. Researchers, regulators and public health officials are working to better understand the potential impacts of these tiny plastic particles.

While microplastics may not follow the same path as PFAS, the takeaway is familiar in that awaiting complete certainty is rarely the best strategy. Here are six steps local leaders can take to prepare their communities and educate their residents about microplastics.

1. Start Preparing Now

Regulatory requirements for microplastics continue to evolve, but local governments and water utilities don’t need to wait to act.

The first step is staying informed. Monitor U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiatives, track state-level developments and follow changes in testing methods and reporting requirements.

Communities that build awareness today will better adapt as regulations and scientific understanding evolve.

2. Build Baseline Data

Good decisions start with good information.

Establishing baseline data across drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and source water systems can help identify trends, potential sources and areas warranting closer attention. Baseline data also provides context before new regulations emerge.

When questions come from regulators, elected officials or residents, communities with reliable data can respond with confidence and make more informed long-term planning and investment decisions.

3. Measure Before You Treat

Before investing in new treatment technologies, focus on understanding the issue, guided by five questions:

What data should we collect first?
How do microplastics move through local water systems?
Where are they coming from?
Are current treatment processes already removing them?
Which areas deserve further attention?

The goal is to make decisions based on facts, not assumptions.

4. Maximize Existing Infrastructure

When emerging contaminants gain attention, the instinct often is to find new technology even as existing infrastructure may provide some microplastics removal.

Operational improvements, process optimization and targeted upgrades often deliver meaningful benefits at a lower cost than major capital projects. Understanding existing assets enables smarter, more cost-effective planning while preserving flexibility for regulatory changes.

5. Build Partnerships and Public Trust

No utility has to navigate emerging contaminants alone.

Partnerships with universities, laboratories, industry organizations, regulators and neighboring utilities can provide valuable expertise, research and lessons learned. Collaborative studies and pilot programs can help evaluate monitoring approaches, explore treatment options and reduce uncertainty.

Clear public communication and transparency about what’s known and what actions are being taken can help build trust before concerns escalate.

6. Track Costs From the Start

Emerging contaminants can carry significant budget implications over time.

Communities should document costs tied to monitoring, testing, pilot programs, staffing and research. That can support grant applications, funding requests and infrastructure planning while helping leaders evaluate options as regulatory expectations evolve.

Keeping a clear record of costs can make future investment decisions more strategic and defensible. To explore additional insights on emerging water-sector challenges, regulatory pressures and strategies for building resilient systems, download the Black & Veatch 2026 Water Report.

Visit the NLC Strategic Partnerships page to learn more about organizations like Black & Veatch dedicated to making NLC the premier resource for local governments.