Georgia drinking water must be tested, treated for forever chemicals under new federal regulations [Video]

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. …