What testing found in Calhoun's water

Federal testing detected PFOA in Calhoun's drinking water at an average of 15.4 parts per trillion, nearly four times the federal limit of 4 ppt set by the EPA in April 2024.

The same testing found PFOS, another regulated PFAS compound, at an average of 13.1 ppt, more than three times its federal limit of 4 ppt.

The contamination affects the city's water system, which serves 53,090 people. Testing detected eight different PFAS compounds in samples collected between 2023 and 2026 under EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 program:

  • PFOA: average 15.4 ppt, maximum 29 ppt, 3.85 times the federal limit of 4 ppt, detected in 7 of 8 samples
  • PFOS: average 13.1 ppt, maximum 29 ppt, 3.28 times the federal limit of 4 ppt, detected in 7 of 8 samples
  • PFBS: average 93.8 ppt, maximum 290 ppt, detected in all 8 samples (no federal limit set)
  • PFPeA: average 9.8 ppt, maximum 21 ppt, detected in 7 of 8 samples (no federal limit set)
  • PFHxA: average 7.6 ppt, maximum 15 ppt, detected in 7 of 8 samples (no federal limit set)
  • PFBA: average 8.1 ppt, maximum 12 ppt, detected in 4 of 8 samples (no federal limit set)
  • PFHxS: average 4.8 ppt, maximum 7 ppt, below the federal limit of 10 ppt, detected in 3 of 8 samples
  • PFHpA: average 4.4 ppt, maximum 6.6 ppt, detected in 5 of 8 samples (no federal limit set)

The city has since installed temporary filtration systems and reports that recent monthly testing shows nondetectable levels of PFAS in finished drinking water. The UCMR 5 samples were collected before that treatment was in place.

The EPA finalized drinking water limits for PFOA and PFOS in April 2024 after determining there is no safe level of exposure to these chemicals. Water systems must begin compliance monitoring by 2027 and meet treatment requirements by 2029.

What this means for Calhoun residents

PFOA and PFOS are the two most studied PFAS compounds. The EPA links PFOA to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, reduced immune response to vaccines, and developmental effects in children. PFOS carries similar health risks, including impacts on the liver, immune system, and thyroid.

The C8 Science Panel, which studied PFOA exposure in West Virginia and Ohio for more than a decade, found probable links between PFOA and six diseases: kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Pregnant women, infants, and people with compromised immune systems face higher risks from PFAS exposure. These chemicals cross the placenta and appear in breast milk. They accumulate in the body over time and do not break down naturally.

People are exposed to PFAS primarily through drinking contaminated water and eating food prepared with it. Infant formula mixed with contaminated water is a particular concern. Exposure through bathing and showering is minimal because PFAS are not readily absorbed through skin.

Where these chemicals came from

Calhoun sits in the heart of northwest Georgia's carpet manufacturing region, where decades of industrial use of PFAS-based stain and water repellents contaminated local water supplies.

The contamination stems from carpet treatment products like 3M Scotchgard, which contained PFAS compounds. Carpet manufacturers in the Dalton area used these chemicals for years before their health risks became widely known.

In November 2024, Mohawk Industries sued 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Daikin America, alleging the chemical companies hid the dangers of PFAS for decades while marketing them as safe for carpet manufacturing, Northwest Georgia News reported.

The Southern Environmental Law Center sued Calhoun in 2022 over PFAS contamination in the city's drinking water. That lawsuit prompted the city to install temporary filtration systems and begin planning permanent treatment infrastructure.

Other communities in the region have taken similar legal action. Catoosa County sued 3M, Mohawk Industries, and other manufacturers in 2024, seeking damages for PFAS cleanup costs, Manufacturing Dive reported. The City of Chatsworth filed a separate lawsuit against the same companies.

Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich visited the area in December 2024 and called the contamination "a big one," urging stronger state action. "You have a PFAS contamination and it's a big one," she told Atlanta News First.

What Calhoun is doing about it

Following the 2022 lawsuit by the Southern Environmental Law Center, Calhoun installed temporary filtration systems to remove PFAS from its drinking water. The city reports that recent monthly testing shows nondetectable levels of PFAS in finished water delivered to customers.

The city is working on permanent treatment infrastructure to maintain compliance with the new federal limits. Water systems nationwide face a 2027 deadline for initial compliance monitoring and must meet full treatment requirements by 2029.

Georgia has not set state-level PFAS drinking water standards beyond the federal limits.

Steps Calhoun residents can take today

Residents concerned about PFAS exposure can take several actions:

  • Request your water utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report, which shows testing results and treatment information. Contact the Calhoun water department or search "Calhoun Georgia consumer confidence report" online.

  • Install a certified home filter. Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically for PFOA and PFOS removal. Pitcher filters and under-sink carbon filters with this certification can reduce PFAS. Reverse osmosis systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 also remove PFAS effectively.

  • If you have an infant, use filtered water to prepare formula. PFAS exposure is particularly concerning for developing children.

  • Attend city council and water board meetings to ask questions about treatment timelines and testing results. Public pressure helps ensure accountability.

  • Review the full testing data for Calhoun's water system at /system/GA1290000.

  • Learn more about PFAS contamination and what you can do at /action.

Full test results

Complete testing data for Calhoun's water system is available at /system/GA1290000.

The data comes from EPA's Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5 program. Samples were collected between 2023 and 2026. UCMR 5 tests measure contamination at the entry point to the distribution system, before any household-level filtration. Results show what enters the water system, not necessarily what comes out of your tap if the utility has installed treatment or if you use a home filter.