Can Filters Help With Microplastics? What Terra is Doing to Make Water Safer

When we think of dirty water, we often picture murky rivers, garbage-choked streams, or cloudy drinking cups. But some of the most dangerous threats to water safety are completely invisible—microplastics.

Microplastics, which are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have been found in oceans, rivers, bottled water, and even rain. In Indonesia, where plastic waste pollution is a growing crisis, these tiny particles are now making their way into drinking water sources—posing serious risks to human health.

At Terra Water Indonesia, we’ve long been committed to providing clean, safe, and sustainable water to underserved communities. But what happens when the threat can’t be seen? That’s where our filtration systems come in.

What Are Microplastics—and Why Should We Worry?

Microplastics come from a variety of sources:

• Broken-down single-use plastics like bags or bottles

• Synthetic fibers from clothes washed in rivers

• Industrial plastic pellets

• Personal care products like face scrubs

Once they enter the water system, they’re extremely difficult to remove. Research suggests that ingesting microplastics can cause inflammation, hormone disruption, and may even affect immune systems—especially in vulnerable populations like children.

How Do Terra’s Filters Work?

Terra’s filtration units are designed to address the everyday realities of rural and remote water sources: rivers, wells, rainwater catchments, and more. Our gravity-fed ceramic filters use multiple layers to target contaminants:

Bacteria and Pathogens

The ceramic structure removes harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae, which cause diarrhea and other waterborne illnesses.

Turbidity and Sediment

Clay and activated carbon layers help remove particles, dirt, and cloudiness from the water.

Chemicals and Odors

Activated carbon absorbs bad tastes, smells, and some organic chemicals, improving both safety and user experience.

What About Microplastics? Can Filters Really Help?

Yes—to some extent, our filters can reduce microplastics, especially larger fragments and fibers.

• Microplastics larger than 1 micron (about 1/70th the width of a human hair) are physically blocked by the ceramic barrier.

• The activated carbon layer can adsorb some organic pollutants that may be associated with microplastic particles.

However, very small microplastics (especially nanoparticles) can still pass through. No household filter is currently 100% effective against all microplastic sizes. But by combining multiple layers and filter types, Terra’s systems significantly reduce overall microplastic load in drinking water—especially in comparison to untreated or bottled sources.

The Bigger Picture: Prevention and Education

Filtration alone is not the end of the story. Terra’s mission includes community education and sustainability training:

• Teaching families about the dangers of single-use plastic

• Encouraging waste reduction and eco-friendly practices

• Promoting refillable containers over bottled water

• Supporting local waste management initiatives

In doing so, we aim to reduce the source of the problem—not just treat the symptoms.

Why It Matters

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor to marine plastic waste globally. For many rural families, avoiding microplastics in water isn’t a luxury—they simply drink what’s available. That’s why Terra’s work is so urgent. By combining scientifically backed filters, community outreach, and sustainability-focused partnerships, we’re fighting for every person’s right to truly clean water.

Join Us

Want to be part of the solution?

You can help by supporting our work, spreading awareness, or funding a filtration system for a school or village. Every small action helps move us toward a cleaner, safer, and healthier future—one drop at a time.