An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report has unveiled that over 1 million residents of Georgia may have been subjected to “forever chemicals” in their water systems, potentially leading to cancer and other health complications.
The synthetic substances, collectively referred to as polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), have infiltrated drinking water across numerous urban and rural areas, including both public systems and private wells.
These chemicals, widely distributed and resistant to environmental degradation, have been in use for decades, employed in various products such as nonstick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam. While their usage has largely been phased out in the United States, traces still linger.
Studies conducted on laboratory animals suggest potential connections between PFAS compounds and certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer, as well as other health issues like hypertension and low birth weight.
The EPA’s ongoing 5-year review involves monitoring water systems nationwide, with the latest data representing only a fraction of the total findings expected by 2026.
According to a map sourced from USA Today utilizing data from the EPA and SimpleLab, alarming levels of PFAS contamination were identified in Georgia. Clayton County reported levels exceeding EPA’s minimum reporting standards by 500%, while the Augusta area recorded a staggering 1606.7% increase, and Calhoun showed levels over 9500% higher.
In the Atlanta area, pollutants surpassed EPA’s minimum reporting levels by 66%.
Legal Action against PFAS Pollution in Calhoun
Calhoun is currently embroiled in a federal lawsuit over water pollution stemming from PFAS contaminants. The Southern Environmental Law Center initiated legal action against the city of Calhoun on behalf of the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI), addressing concerns regarding these persistent chemicals.
CRBI’s lawsuit accuses Calhoun’s wastewater treatment facility of contributing to regional pollution by releasing PFAS into the Coosawattee River upstream of a major drinking water intake, as well as contaminating groundwater, thereby jeopardizing well water quality.
Although federal regulations on “forever chemicals” in drinking water are currently absent, the EPA has announced intentions to introduce new standards later this year. The proposed regulations aim to establish stringent limits, set at 4 parts per trillion, for two common PFAS compounds—PFOA and PFOS. Additionally, the EPA seeks to regulate the combined levels of four other PFAS variants. Water providers would be mandated to monitor PFAS levels accordingly.
