Study Warns Plastic Pipes May Foster Microbial and Chemical Risks in Drinking Water

A new study published in Environmental Science and Technology has found that plastic pipes used in drinking water systems can continuously release chemicals that stimulate microbial growth and pathogen activity. Researchers identified up to 13 leached additives, including bisphenols and organophosphates, which altered water chemistry, increased microbial populations by as much as twentyfold, and enhanced both antibiotic resistance and pathogen virulence.

The study highlights the urgent need for integrated safety assessments, as current drinking water standards evaluate chemical and microbial risks separately. With plastic pipes now accounting for roughly one-third of existing U.S. water systems—and over half of upcoming replacements—regulators may be underestimating potential health threats. The findings suggest that the combined effects of chemical leaching and microbial proliferation could undermine water quality and public health protection, calling for stricter oversight and comprehensive testing of plastic materials used in water infrastructure.

11-11-2025