ATLANTA — The feds are no longer planning to clean up harmful forever chemicals from our drinking water.
President Trump is reversing the Biden administration’s plans to limit them.
New research shows our water is full of these forever chemicals and sometimes treating the water only makes it worse.
Some people in metro Atlanta told Channel 2 investigative reporter Sophia Choi that they buy their drinking water instead of using what comes out of their tap.
“Because it has the chemicals in it, and I don’t want to give it to my family. So, I just prefer not to use it,” Natasha Dixie said.
Chemicals like PFAS -- manmade, forever chemicals – are used in hundreds of products like stain and water-resistant fabrics, nonstick pots and pans, food containers and even makeup.
Now, new research from New York University shows 23 million Americans might be exposed to dangerous levels through drinking water. About 75% of it comes from pharmaceuticals.
RELATED STORIES:
- Georgia researchers work to remove harmful forever chemicals from water
- Dangerous chemicals found in baby supplies, pet food packaging
- WARNING: Toxic chemicals found in makeup -- even high-end brands, investigation finds
- EPA found dangerous chemicals in Georgia’s drinking water – but hasn’t set limits for people
“There are chemicals that the pharmaceutical companies use that include that same type of chemistry that we see in PFAS molecules,” said Bridger Ruyle, assistant professor at NYU.
PFAS enter our drinking water after going through a wastewater treatment plant. Normally, rainwater dilutes any remaining chemicals.
But scientists say forever chemicals are different and treating the water can sometimes allow PFAS to grow.
“What happens at wastewater treatment plants, they provide optimal conditions. The treatment technology at these plants are not very effective,” Ruyle said.
Channel 2 Action News showed you in 2023 how scientists at the University of Georgia lab in Griffin are working on ways, like using filters, to get rid of the forever chemicals from our water.
“These chemicals can be harmful to human health for sure,” said Jack Huang from UGA.
Scientists say even limited exposure to PFAS are linked to health problems including cancer, reproductive and developmental issues.
It’s such a concern that former President Joe Biden charged the EPA to regulate the amount of six PFAS in our drinking water.
But now, the Trump administration will no longer regulate them saying states should take the lead.
Environmentalists say that’s a big step back in the difficult fight to make our water safer.
“The more we use, the more we build up the concentrations in the environment,” Ruyle said.
The U.S. Geological Survey said at least 45% of tap water in the US contains PFAS.
©2025 Cox Media Group
