PFAS forever chemicals found at all 20 Georgia waterway testing sites

A recent report found PFAS contamination at all 20 testing locations in Georgia waterways.

The Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center presented findings from the report that analyzed data collected from 2022 to 2024 through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Quality Portal and local riverkeepers.

PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, were found at all 20 Georgia testing locations, and as many as 17 different PFAS compounds were detected.

The chemicals are used in products, such as nonstick cookware, food packaging and waterproof clothing. Jennette Gayer is the state director of the Environment Georgia Research & Policy Center. She said at the news conference Tuesday that the chemicals have been linked to numerous health impacts.

“PFAS has been linked to a wide range of health impacts including decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, compromised immunity and some types of cancer,” Gayer said.

Jason Ulseth, riverkeeper and executive director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, said the results underscore the need for more research into the impact of the chemicals.

“There is no denying that PFAS contamination is a national crisis,” Ulseth said. “Our latest sampling confirms that it is in the Chattahoochee and I know our fellow Riverkeepers have found similar problems in other rivers around the state.”

Environmental groups are calling on potential polluters to notify treatment facilities about PFAS in their discharges and to start reducing the use of PFAS.