Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a serious environmental concern, particularly within water management systems. The particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are directly introduced as microbeads in personal care products. In water management, microplastics pose multifaceted challenges, as they are pervasive in both surface and groundwater systems. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), despite designed to remove conventional pollutants, are often ineffective at full elimination of microplastics due to their minute size and persistence. Consequently, treated effluents may serve as a conduit for microplastic discharge into natural water bodies. In this review, locations already contaminated by microplastics were highlighted. Literature findings show that their presence in freshwater resources adversely affect aquatic organisms through ingestion and accumulation. It is a potential disruptor of the ecosystems if allowed to enter the food chain. Moreover, microplastics do act as vectors for harmful pollutants and pathogens, which  then compound the existing water quality concerns. According to findings, the removal of microplastics necessitates advanced treatment technologies, which may be costly and energy-intensive. A simple integration of microplastic monitoring and mitigation strategies into water management policies is thus critical. This includes upgrading treatment infrastructure, enforcing regulations on plastic waste disposal, and promoting public awareness to minimize plastic pollution at the source. Ongoing research is essential to understand the transport, fate, and ecological impacts of microplastics in aquatic environments. Addressing microplastic pollution aligns with broader sustainability goals and ensures the provision of clean, safe water for human and environmental health. As such, microplastics represent not just an emerging contaminant but a defining challenge in contemporary water resource management.