We've been investigating the alarming levels of PFAS in Georgia's drinking water, and what we've uncovered is deeply disturbing. Marin & Murphy Law Firm are at the forefront of this fight, advocating for those affected by these toxic "forever chemicals" in public water systems. We're dedicated to holding polluters accountable and protecting consumer rights, but the road ahead is long and challenging. The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are severe including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis. Recent mandated EPA testing has revealed the contamination is widespread. As we dig deeper into this crisis, one thing becomes crystal clear: the time for action is now.
Georgia PFAS Water Contamination Map
Recent Developments in Georgia PFAS Lawsuits
Update: November 20th, 2024 Georgia PFAS Lawsuit Filed
A new lawsuit highlights the serious health risks associated with PFAS contamination in Georgia’s drinking water. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are linked to debilitating health conditions, and Michael L., a resident of Dahlonega, Georgia, is taking legal action after years of unknowingly consuming contaminated water. Click to view the official Georgia PFAS lawsuit complaint filed by Michael L. against major chemical manufacturers [PDF of Georgia PFAS Lawsuit].
Michael L.’s Case
- Who: Michael L., a resident of Dahlonega, Georgia.
- Health Impact: Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a painful condition requiring extensive medical treatment. Michael L. has suffered severe personal injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial loss due to ongoing medical expenses and lost wages.
- Source of Exposure: Michael L. consumed water supplied by Columbus Water Works, which was later identified as contaminated with high levels of PFAS chemicals.
PFAS Contamination in Georgia
PFAS contamination is a growing concern for Georgia residents. Municipal water systems, including Columbus Water Works, have been linked to the presence of PFAS chemicals, which are known for their persistence in the environment and bioaccumulation in the human body. These chemicals are associated with chronic illnesses such as ulcerative colitis and increased cancer risks.
Defendants and Their Negligence
This lawsuit names several major corporations as defendants, including:
- 3M Company
- DuPont de Nemours Inc.
- The Chemours Company
- BASF Corporation
- Tyco Fire Products
The defendants are accused of:
- Manufacturing and distributing PFAS-containing products, such as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), that led to water contamination.
- Failing to warn consumers about the toxic nature of PFAS chemicals.
- Allowing PFAS to seep into public water supplies, causing harm to residents across Georgia and beyond.
Why This Case Matters to Georgia Residents
Michael L.’s lawsuit highlights the dangers of PFAS contamination for communities across Georgia. With municipal water systems like Columbus Water Works supplying potentially affected residents, the risks extend far beyond individual cases. This legal action underscores the importance of holding polluters accountable for their negligence and protecting public health.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
If you or someone you love in Georgia has suffered health issues due to PFAS-contaminated water, now is the time to act.
How to Deal with PFAS in Your Drinking Water
If you’re worried about PFAS contamination in your drinking water, we can help you take action to protect your health and hold polluters accountable.
PFAS water contamination is a severe public health concern, and it’s crucial to understand the potential health effects of exposure to these chemicals.
We’ll work with you to investigate the source of the PFAS contamination and determine the best course of action. This may involve filing a lawsuit against the polluter, working with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure proper cleanup, or advocating for stronger regulations to protect drinking water quality.
As champions of consumer rights, we’re committed to fighting for your right to clean, safe water and holding those responsible for PFAS contamination accountable for their actions.
Information on PFAS Contamination in Drinking Water
PFAS water contamination significantly threatens public health and the environment in Georgia and the United States. These polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as ‘forever chemicals,’ have been found in public water systems at alarming levels. PFAS are linked to various health issues, including cancer, immune system disorders, and developmental problems in children.
Our water contaminants attorneys are committed to holding polluters accountable for exposing communities to PFAS-contaminated water. We’re working tirelessly to ensure those responsible for introducing these harmful chemicals into the environment pay for the damage they’ve caused.
If you suspect your water system contains high PFAS levels, contact us to discuss your legal options and protect your health and the well-being of your loved ones.
There is overwhelming evidence showing how PFAS is cancer-causing, such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Georgia
Our water contaminants attorneys are focused on holding polluters accountable for the harm caused by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), a group of artificial chemicals widely used in various industries since the 1940s.
PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are known as ‘forever chemicals’ because they don’t break down easily in the environment. They can accumulate in the body over time, leading to serious health issues.
PFAS contamination of drinking water is a growing concern, as these chemicals have been detected in water supplies nationwide. We’re committed to using the latest PFAS science to help those affected by contaminated water seek justice and ensure that polluters are responsible for their actions.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS chemicals can lead to a wide range of severe health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, studies have linked PFAS to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver damage, and fertility issues.
PFOA and PFOS, two of the most common PFAS compounds in Georgia’s drinking water, are particularly concerning. They’re known to accumulate in the body over time, and even low levels of exposure can be harmful.
We’ve seen the devastating effects of PFAS water contamination firsthand, with our clients suffering from unexplained illnesses and struggling to get the medical care they need. More must be done to protect Georgia residents from these dangerous chemicals and hold polluters accountable for the harm they’ve caused.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure
Research increasingly links PFAS exposure to a range of health problems. The EPA has found that these toxic chemicals accumulate in the body over time, leading to adverse health effects. Studies suggest that PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water increases the risk of cancers, thyroid disorders, and developmental issues in children. These pollutants can also affect the immune system and fertility. With mounting evidence, it is critical to take action to address PFAS water contamination. We must hold polluters accountable and push for stronger regulations to protect our communities from these dangerous chemicals. The time for action on PFAS is now.
Drinking Water Contamination
Many Georgia communities have grappled with the frightening reality of PFAS chemicals contaminating their drinking water. Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are dangerous contaminants that have seeped into water sources nationwide.
The Environmental Protection Agency has identified PFAS as a severe threat to public health, yet many Georgians remain unaware of the risks posed by these ‘forever chemicals.’
We’re committed to protecting consumer rights and holding polluters accountable for PFAS drinking water contamination. Our law firm is actively investigating cases where negligent companies have allowed these toxic substances to infiltrate water supplies, endangering the well-being of countless families.
If you suspect PFAS has tainted your water, contact us to discuss your legal options and potential path to justice.
Phase 1 Water Providers in Georgia
During the settlement phase of the PFAS lawsuits brought by drinking water providers, drinking water providers in Georgia were placed into two categories: Phase 1 providers and Phase 2 providers.
Phase 1 providers were defined as active water systems in the United States that have likely been impacted by PFAS water contamination. The Court’s class action notice identified these Georgia water providers as likely impacted by PFAS contamination:
- Augusta-Richmond County Water System
- Blairsville
- Calhoun
- Catoosa Utility District Authority
- Centerville
- Chatsworth
- Chattooga County
- Chickamauga
- Clayton County Water Authority (Clayton County)
- Columbus Water Works
- Dalton Utilities
- Dawsonville
- Floyd County
- Griffin
- Lafayette
- Lyerly
- Notla Water Authority
- Oak Street Subdivision
- Ringgold
- Summerville
- Walker County Water Authority
- White
- Woodstock Water and Sewer, City of
- Young Harris
Phase 2 Water Providers in Georgia
Phase 2 providers were defined as active water systems in the United States that could been impacted by PFAS water contamination. These providers, at the time of the settlement, may not have had ever tested for PFAS or have had not detected PFAS in their drinking water. The Court’s class action notice identified these Georgia Phase 2 water providers, which may impacted by PFAS contamination in the future, as the following:
- ADAIRSVILLE
- ADEL
- ALAMO
- ALBANY
- ALMA
- AMERICUS
- ASHBURN
- ATHENS-CLARKE CO WATER SYSTEM
- ATLANTA
- AUBURN
- AUSTELL
- BAINBRIDGE
- BALDWIN
- BALDWIN COUNTY
- BANKS CO – MOUNTAIN CREEK
- BARNESVILLE
- BARROW COUNTY BOC TRANSMISSION MAINS
- BARROW COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- BARTOW COUNTY
- BAXLEY
- BIG CANOE SUBDIVISION
- BLACKSHEAR
- BLAKELY
- BLUE RIDGE WATER SYSTEM
- BOWDON
- BRASELTON
- BREMEN
- BRUNSWICK
- BUFORD
- BUTLER
- BUTTS COUNTY/JACKSON/JENKINSBURG WS
- BYRON
- CAIRO
- CAMILLA
- CANTON
- CARROLL COUNTY
- CARROLLTON
- CARTERSVILLE
- CAVE SPRING
- CEDARTOWN
- CHEROKEE COUNTY
- CLARKESVILLE
- CLAXTON
- CLAYTON
- CLEVELAND WATERWORKS
- COBB COUNTY
- COCHRAN
- COLLEGE PARK
- COLUMBIA COUNTY
- COMMERCE
- COOSA WATER AUTHORITY
- CORDELE
- CORNELIA
- COVINGTON
- COWETA WATER & SEWER AUTH.
- CUMMING
- CUTHBERT
- DADE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
- DAHLONEGA
- DALLAS
- DAWSON
- DEKALB COUNTY
- DEMOREST
- DOUGLAS
- DOUGLASVILLE-DOUGLAS COUNTY WSA
- DUBLIN
- EAST DUBLIN
- EAST POINT WATER DEPARTMENT
- EASTMAN
- EATONTON PUTNAM WATER & SEWER AUTH
- EFFINGHAM COUNTY SURFACE WATER SYSTEM
- ELBERTON
- ELLIJAY-GILMER CO. WATER AUTH.
- ETOWAH
- FAIRBURN
- FAYETTE COUNTY
- FAYETTEVILLE
- FITZGERALD
- FLOWERY BRANCH
- FOLKSTON
- FORSYTH
- FORSYTH CO. WATER & SEWER
- FORT OGLETHORPE
- FORT VALLEY UTILITY COMMISSION
- FRANKLIN COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- GAINESVILLE
- GARDEN CITY
- GLEN OF ROBIN HOOD
- GLENNVILLE WATER SYSTEM
- GRAY CITY WATER DEPARTMENT
- GROVETOWN
- GWINNETT CO. DEPT. OF WATER RESOURCES
- HAHIRA
- HAMPTON
- HAPEVILLE
- HARALSON COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
- HARRIS COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- HART CO. WATER & SEWER AUTH.
- HARTWELL
- HAWKINSVILLE
- HAZLEHURST WATER SYSTEM
- HEARD COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
- HENRY COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
- HEPHZIBAH
- HIAWASSEE
- HINESVILLE
- HOGANSVILLE
- HOUSTON COUNTY-FEAGIN MILL
- JACKSON COUNTY WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
- JASPER
- JEFFERSON
- JESUP WATER SYSTEM
- JONES COUNTY
- KINGSLAND
- LAGRANGE
- LAKE ARROWHEAD SUBDIVISION
- LAKE BLACKSHEAR AREA
- LARCHMONT ESTATES SUBDIVISION
- LAVONIA
- LEE COUNTY UTILITIES AUTHORITY
- LEESBURG
- LINCOLN COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- LOCUST GROVE
- LOGANVILLE
- LOUISVILLE
- LOWNDES CO.-NORTH LOWNDES CO. WS
- LOWNDES CO-SOUTH LOWNDES
- LYONS
- MACON WATER AUTHORITY
- MADISON
- MANCHESTER
- MARIETTA
- MARION COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- MCCAYSVILLE
- MCDONOUGH
- MCINTOSH COUNTY-CRESCENT COMMUNITY WS
- MCRAE WATER SYSTEM
- METTER
- MILLEDGEVILLE
- MILLEN
- MONROE
- MONTEZUMA
- MONTICELLO
- MOULTRIE
- MOUNT VERNON
- NASHVILLE
- NEWNAN UTILITIES
- NEWTON CO. WATER-SEWERAGE AUTH
- NORTH FULTON COUNTY
- OCONEE COUNTY
- OGLETHORPE
- PALMETTO
- PAULDING COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- PELHAM
- PERRY
- PICKENS COUNTY WATER AUTH.
- POLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
- POOLER, CITY OF
- PORT WENTWORTH
- QUITMAN
- RABUN COUNTY WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY
- REYNOLDS PLANTATION
- RICHMOND HILL
- RINCON WATER SYSTEM
- ROCKDALE CO. WATER SYSTEM
- ROCKMART
- ROSWELL
- SANDERSVILLE
- SATILLA REGIONAL WATER & SEWER AUTH.
- SAVANNAH HEALTH SERVICES, LLC
- SAVANNAH-GEORGETOWN/GATEWAY
- SAVANNAH – I & D WATER SYSTEM
- SAVANNAH-MAIN
- SAVANNAH-WHITEMARSH ISLAND
- SAVANNAH-WILMINGTON ISLAND
- SENOIA, TOWN OF
- SMYRNA
- SOCIAL CIRCLE
- SOUTH ATLANTIC UTILITIES-BRYAN COUNTY(S)
- SOUTH MONROE COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- SPALDING COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- SPARTA
- ST. MARYS
- ST. SIMONS ISLAND
- STATESBORO
- STATHAM
- STOCKBRIDGE
- SWAINSBORO
- SYLVANIA
- SYLVESTER
- TALBOT COUNTY WATER WORKS
- TALLAPOOSA
- TEMPLE
- THE LANDINGS SUBDIVISION
- THOMASTON
- THOMASVILLE
- THOMSON-MCDUFFIE CO W&S COMM
- TIFTON-TIFT COUNTY WATER SYSTEM
- TOCCOA
- TOWNS COUNTY
- TYBEE ISLAND
- UNADILLA
- UNION CITY
- UPSON COUNTY
- VALDOSTA WATER DEPARTMENT
- VIDALIA
- VIENNA
- VILLA RICA
- WALESKA
- WALTHOURVILLE WATER SYSTEM
- WALTON CO. WATER & SEWER AUTH.
- WARNER ROBINS
- WASHINGTON
- WAYCROSS
- WAYNESBORO
- WEST POINT
- WHITE CO WATER & SEWERAGE AUTH
- WINDER
- WRIGHTSVILLE
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Know if My Water Is Contaminated With PFAS?
We can test our water for PFAS contamination using at-home test kits or contacting local health departments. If levels are high, we should consider using an alternate water source and consulting with experts.
Are There Any Water Filtration Systems That Can Remove PFAS From Drinking Water?
Yes, water filtration systems can remove PFAS from drinking water. We recommend using activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis systems, effectively reducing PFAS levels. Let’s discuss your options further.
What Is the Government Doing to Address PFAS Water Contamination in Georgia?
We’re aware the government is taking steps to address PFAS water contamination in Georgia, including testing water sources, setting safety standards, and providing filters. However, more action is needed to protect residents’ drinking water thoroughly.
Marin & Murphy Law Firm
We’re committed to fighting for Georgians affected by PFAS water contamination. This complex issue involves health risks, environmental damage, and corporate responsibility.
By investigating contamination sources, holding polluters accountable, and advocating for consumers’ rights, we’ll work tirelessly to ensure everyone can access clean, safe drinking water.
If you’ve been impacted by PFAS exposure, know that you have legal options, and we’re here to help. Together, let’s stand up to PFAS contamination.
About the Author: PFAS Lawyer Matthew Marin
Attorney Matthew Marin is a seasoned legal professional with a deep commitment to environmental justice and client advocacy, particularly in cases involving water contamination. A graduate of Roger Williams University School of Law, Matthew has been practicing law since 2008, focusing on environmental law and personal injury cases. With over 15 years of experience, he has honed his skills in litigating complex cases related to water quality and safety, earning a reputation for meticulous case preparation and tenacious representation. Matthew has successfully handled numerous cases involving PFAS in water supplies, securing favorable outcomes for his clients and contributing to the remediation of drinking water. His approach is characterized by thorough research, strategic planning, and a relentless pursuit of justice. Known for his compassionate approach, Matthew takes the time to understand each client’s unique situation, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout the legal process. As member of the American Association for Justice and the National Trial lawyers, Matthew’s extensive knowledge and experience inform his work on the legal aspects of the AFFF & PFAS MDL litigation, water contamination, and environmental protection.
Marin & Murphy Law Firm is not currently accepting new PFAS claims. This page is general information about water quality and public health, not legal advice, and reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm is licensed in South Carolina, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut; its PFAS matters are handled with co-counsel who maintain local counsel arrangements nationwide. Matthew T. Marin, SC Bar #102771, 997 Morrison Drive, Suite 200, Charleston, SC 29403.
Other litigation affecting Georgia residents: Marin & Murphy Law Firm is not currently accepting new PFAS claims, but is actively accepting cases in the Georgia spinal cord stimulator lawsuit and the Georgia Ozempic lawsuit.
