California’s Research and Regulations on Microplastics in Drinking Water

California Efforts to Regulate Microplastics
Oral Presentation

Prepared by S. Coffin1, C. Wong2, S. Weisberg3
1 - State Water Resources Control Board, 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA, 95814, United States
2 - Southern California Coastal Water Research Projec, 3535 Harbor Blvd STE 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
3 - Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, 3535 Harbor Blvd STE 110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States


Contact Information: scott.coffin@waterboards.ca.gov; 916-323-0375


ABSTRACT

Plastic is becoming increasingly more abundant in the environment, causing concern amongst scientists and regulators due to the potential harm towards humans. The State Water Resources Control Board, in collaboration with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, has organized a inter-laboratory validation exercise with over 35 laboratories to standardize methods to monitor for microplastics in drinking water and other matrices to fulfill the legislative requirements of Senate Bills 1422 and 1263. This presentation will provide an overview of the standardization exercise, as well as the State Water Resources Control Board’s efforts to regulate microplastics in drinking water.