High PFAS levels in Calhoun, Ga., spark legal action, water and sewer system reforms
CALHOUN, Ga. — Environmental advocates and attorneys are raising new concerns about the presence of PFAS—commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”—in North Georgia’s water supply, citing test results that show elevated contamination levels in several communities, according to Fox 5 Atlanta.
High-profile environmental activist Erin Brockovich and water quality expert Bob Bowcock hosted two public forums last week in Chatsworth and Calhoun to discuss test findings and ongoing legal efforts tied to PFAS exposure in the region.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that persist in the environment and have been linked in studies to cancer, high blood pressure, and developmental issues. Though largely phased out in U.S. manufacturing, PFAS remain widespread due to decades of use in products like nonstick cookware, food wrappers, and firefighting foam.
According to EPA data shared via USA Today and water testing firm SimpleLab, Calhoun’s PFAS levels reached more than 600% above the EPA’s minimum reporting threshold, placing it among the highest in Georgia—second only to Augusta, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. Morrow also showed elevated levels.
Last year, the Southern Environmental Law Center filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Coosa River Basin Initiative, accusing the city of Calhoun of failing to properly regulate PFAS discharges. The case was resolved in a settlement requiring the city to revamp its wastewater pretreatment program and conduct testing of residential drinking water wells.
Meanwhile, federal PFAS regulations remain in flux. While the EPA plans to keep strict limits on two of the most well-known compounds—PFOA and PFOS—it is reconsidering previously announced limits on other PFAS variants and extending the compliance deadline for utilities to 2031.
New PFAS test results from soil, water, and dust samples in Calhoun and Chatsworth will be presented at the upcoming town halls, where Brockovich’s team says the findings are “alarming.” They also plan to share updates on additional lawsuits tied to local contamination.
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