Report: ‘Forever chemicals’ threaten water supply

A new “Dirty Dozen” report by the Georgia Water Coalition points out pollution in Gordon County’s waterways and downstream.

The report notes PFAS in area rivers due to upstream manufacturers releasing them into the water supply. These chemicals are widely unregulated, and pose a serious threat.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are “widely used, long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time.”

They are also known as “forever chemicals” because unlike most substances, they don’t break down in the environment. When people drink water containing these PFAS, they can face serious health issues.

The EPA notes numerous health consequences to exposure, from reproductive and developmental issues to increased rates of cancer to interference with the immune system and hormone levels. These chemicals are found in the Oostanaula and Conasauga, which have historically supplied water to Calhoun along with other communities.

As of 1980, due to upstream pollution from Dalton’s flourishing