COBB COUNTY, Ga. — New research found potentially harmful “forever chemicals” in Georgia rivers, including several sites along the Chattahoochee River-- a major source of drinking water for metro Atlanta.
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The findings are raising concerns among environmental advocates, who say Georgia lawmakers need to do more to prevent the chemicals from entering the state’s waterways.
A new report from Environment Georgia Research and Policy Center found PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, at all 20 sites tested across Georgia.
At four locations along the Chattahoochee River, researchers identified 11 different PFAS compounds.
“That was surprising, that was eye-opening and something that needs to lead into more investigation, more research, more testing,” said Jason Ulseth with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in everyday products, including nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing. They’re called forever chemicals because they can stay in the environment for decades.
Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns, including some cancers, reduced fertility and immune system problems.
But researchers say it’s still unclear what the levels detected in the Chattahoochee mean for people who swim, fish or use the river.
“We don’t know the level that is currently in the river, what that does to the health of the fish, the health of the people that eat the fish,” Ulseth said.
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Roughly 70 percent of metro Atlanta relies on the Chattahoochee River for its drinking water supply, according to the Chattahoochee Riverkeepers. While that water is treated before reaching homes, researchers say not all conventional water treatment methods used by municipalities remove PFAS.
Environmental advocates say the chemicals can enter rivers through industrial discharges and other pathways, making the contamination difficult to control.
“We shouldn’t have to worry about tainted drinking water or eating contaminated fish!” said Jeanette Gayer with Environment Georgia Research and Policy Center.
Advocates are now calling on Georgia lawmakers to take stronger action to limit the use of PFAS and prevent additional contamination.
“This is the tip of the toxic iceberg,” Gayer said. “Because PFAS is getting into our rivers in so many different ways, the most effective thing we can do is to stop using this highly toxic chemical.”
Researchers emphasize that more testing is needed to determine the potential health risks associated with the levels found in Georgia’s waterways. Advocates say this study highlights the need for greater monitoring and stronger protections for the state’s waterways
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