Bottled Water May Contain Synthetic Chemicals and Microplastics

Bottled water brands often advertise their products as “100% Natural,” “Pure,” or “From Natural Springs.” But recent investigations have revealed that some of these claims may be misleading, particularly when it comes to what’s actually in the bottle.

One brand marketed as “100% Natural Spring Water” has been found to contain synthetic plasticizers (phthalates) and microplastics, which are not naturally found in spring water and may pose serious health risks.

What Are Phthalates, and Why Are They a Problem?

Phthalates are industrial chemicals used to make plastic flexible and durable. They’re commonly found in packaging materials, and increasingly, in food and beverage products as contaminants. Medical and environmental research has linked phthalate exposure to:

Hormone disruption
Reproductive health issues
Cardiovascular problems
Increased risk of metabolic disorders

There is no safe level of phthalates established in food or drinks. Yet, bottled water advertised as “all natural” may contain alarming levels of these chemicals, likely due to leaching from plastic packaging or processing.

What About Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastics. Scientific studies estimate that over 90% of bottled water contains microplastics, and some brands may have up to 325 particles per liter. These particles can:

Enter the bloodstream and organs
Cause inflammation and cell damage
Carry toxins that may build up over time

Like phthalates, microplastics are man-made and have no place in natural spring water.

Why the “100% Natural” Claim on Bottled Water Bottles May Be Deceptive

Bottled water companies know that consumers choose their products based on the promise of purity and natural origin. When a bottle says “100% Natural,” most reasonable consumers assume:

The product is free from synthetic chemicals
It is sourced and bottled with minimal artificial intervention
It does not contain harmful contaminants

But the presence of phthalates and microplastics directly contradicts those expectations. Consumers who purchased such products may have:

Paid a price premium believing the product was safer or healthier
Chosen that brand over others based on false or misleading claims
Suffered economic injury by not receiving the product they were promised

We’re Investigating

We are currently investigating whether bottled water products marketed as “100% Natural,” “Pure,” or “Spring Water” contain undisclosed synthetic contaminants such as phthalates and microplastics. If you purchased bottled water believing it was entirely natural—but later learned it may be contaminated—you may have a legal claim for false advertising and deceptive labeling.

Have you purchased bottled water labeled as “100% Natural” in recent years? Do you rely on product labeling to make informed choices for your health and family? If so, we want to hear from you — fill out the questionnaire below.

We offer free and confidential consultations.Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is a consumer protection law firm with experience in false advertising class actions, mislabeling claims, and environmental consumer litigation. We’ve recovered millions for consumers misled by deceptive corporate conduct and are actively pursuing claims related to food and beverage safety.