Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals found in many consumer products. They are created for purposes of repelling, and resisting heat and sticking. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they are long-lasting and break down very slowly over time.

PFAS have been used in products since the 1940s.

PFAS can be found everywhere. They are in stain, oil, and water-resisting products like rain jackets, carpets, and sofas. They are also found in non-stick pans, dental floss, makeup, skincare products, food packaging, paper straws, dust particles, and fire-extinguishing foam.

About 20% of human exposure to PFAS comes from the water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The EPA set a limit for PFAS in drinking water on April 2024 to reduce PFAS exposure for millions of people.

Exposure to PFAS can present a serious health risk to humans.  Information from Georgia's Department of Public Health on how to limit your exposure is available at: https://dph.georgia.gov/environmental-health/chemical-hazards/pfas

CCWS purchases drinking water from Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA). CCMWA samples and tests water regularly to understand and monitor these chemicals. Each year, CCMWA provides a report to CCWS detailing the tests and results for Cobb’s drinking water. This information is included in the Water Quality Report available to all customers each month of June.

Protecting public health is the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority's (CCMWA) first core principle concerning PFAS and all drinking water matters.

Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has a drinking water monitoring initiative and has created an Interactive Story Map with information about PFAS as well as EPD’s current and historical drinking water and surface water monitoring in Georgia.