Recent testing data submitted to federal regulators indicates that the City of Calhoun’s drinking water system has recorded PFAS levels significantly above federal standards, according to information compiled from Environmental Protection Agency monitoring reports.
The findings were highlighted in a national analysis and map created by USA Today using water quality data submitted by utilities to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of a broader effort to track contamination from PFAS chemicals in public drinking water systems.
PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are a group of synthetic chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment. The compounds have been widely used in manufacturing and consumer products designed to resist heat, water and oil.
According to the EPA, PFAS contamination has been detected in water, soil, air, wildlife and even in human blood samples. Researchers have linked exposure to certain PFAS compounds to a variety of potential health concerns in humans and animals.
Testing results show Calhoun’s water system measured PFAS levels about 3.7 times higher than the limit established by the EPA.
In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the first enforceable federal standards for six types of PFAS chemicals in public drinking water. Under those rules, water systems must monitor for the substances and take corrective action if concentrations exceed the federal limits. Utilities must also notify customers if violations occur.
