ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Environmental Protection Agency announced new regulations for “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, in drinking water Wednesday morning.
All water utility companies must now test and treat their water supplies to make sure they are below a certain threshold of the synthetic chemicals.
PFAS – short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – have been around for decades. They’re often used to repel water, oil, and heat, and can also be found in cosmetic and cleaning products. The EPA says studies show the chemicals are linked to illnesses, including cancer.
“It’s going to take a significant process to remove these,” Clayton County Water Authority CEO Horace Franks said. “It is frustrating for us because we’re responsible for removing what we didn’t even put into the water.”
Large manufacturing companies have been accused of dumping PFAS into lakes and rivers for years, which has led to contamination. Franks said those are the companies that should be held responsible for fixing the contamination.
“It’s just a responsibility that we have, which is also quite costly for us and also will take a lot of time,” Franks said.
Franks said the Clayton County Water Authority already tests for PFAS and there is a very small amount in their water supply. He said it could take up to 5 years and $450 million to come into compliance with the new federal regulations.
But Franks said current customers should not worry because they are currently following all guidelines for safe drinking water.
“My family and I are lifelong residents of Clayton County,” he said. “We continue to drink and enjoy our tap water. I am proud to be part of the Clayton County Water Authority team who takes great pride in caring for one of the world’s greatest and life-sustaining resources – water! Our community’s public health continues to be our number one priority.”
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