Georgia Guide
PFAS Contamination in Georgia — What You Need to Know
Georgia has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
Georgia PFAS Standard
4 ppt for PFOA. 4 ppt for PFOS. 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (GenX). Hazard index for combinations.
Georgia does not have its own state-level PFAS MCLs and defers to the EPA's federal Maximum Contaminant Levels finalized in 2024. The EPA MCLs — 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually and 10 ppt for PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA — represent the most health-protective limits in the country. Georgia public water systems had until 2027 to achieve compliance and until 2029 to install treatment systems. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) oversees enforcement.
Known Contamination Sites
These are publicly documented PFAS detections in Georgia. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.
| Location | Source | PFAS Level |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton (Whitfield County) | Carpet and textile manufacturing — major US carpet capital uses PFAS in stain-resistant coatings | PFAS detected in Conasauga River, Oostanaula River, and surrounding groundwater — one of the most unique industrial PFAS sources in the US |
| Valdosta (Lowndes County) | Moody Air Force Base AFFF use | PFAS above 70 ppt in some groundwater monitoring wells near base perimeter |
| Columbus (Muscogee County) | Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) AFFF use | PFAS detected in wells near Fort Benning. Army investigation and remediation ongoing. |
| Warner Robins (Houston County) | Robins Air Force Base AFFF training areas | PFAS contamination in base groundwater. Monitoring wells show plume migration. |
| Brunswick (Glynn County) | Former industrial sites and LCP Chemicals Superfund site | PFAS detected in a region already affected by mercury and other industrial contamination |
| Savannah area (Chatham County) | Hunter Army Airfield and industrial port operations | PFAS detected in monitoring wells. Savannah serves millions of gallons daily from surface water. |
Military Base Contamination
AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these Georgia bases:
Moody Air Force Base (Valdosta)
Significant PFAS contamination from AFFF. Groundwater plume extends beyond base boundary. Air Force remediation in progress. Affected residents offered alternative water.
Fort Moore / Fort Benning (Columbus)
PFAS detected in groundwater from AFFF training activities. Army conducting remedial investigation. Community wells near base monitored.
Robins Air Force Base (Warner Robins)
PFAS detected in base groundwater. Air Force assessment and monitoring underway. Treatment systems planned.
Hunter Army Airfield (Savannah)
PFAS detected in base monitoring wells. Investigation underway.
Dobbins Air Reserve Base (Marietta)
PFAS detected in groundwater. Limited off-base migration documented so far. Monitoring ongoing.
Georgia PFAS Regulations
- Georgia defers to EPA federal MCLs: 4 ppt PFOA, 4 ppt PFOS, 10 ppt PFNA/PFHxS/HFPO-DA
- Public water systems must monitor starting in 2024 and achieve compliance by 2027
- Treatment system installation required by 2029 for systems exceeding MCLs
- Georgia EPD has authority to investigate and require remediation at contaminated sites
- PFAS classified as hazardous substances under Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act
- Army and Air Force responsible for cleanup at military installation contamination
- Georgia joined multistate coalition supporting federal PFAS cleanup funding
How to Test Your Water in Georgia
Georgia public water systems must comply with EPA federal PFAS MCLs and conduct monitoring under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations. Results are reported to Georgia EPD and published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Private well owners are not covered. If you are near a military base or the Dalton carpet manufacturing corridor, testing is recommended. SimpleLab, Tap Score, and TestAmerica all ship to Georgia addresses. A full 40+ PFAS panel costs $150-$300.
Recommended Filters for Georgia Residents
Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.
Renters / Budget
Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.
See full reviewHomeowners / Kitchen
Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.
See full reviewWhole-House
SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.
See full reviewCommon Questions
Why is Dalton, Georgia a PFAS hotspot?+
Dalton produces over 80 percent of the world's carpet and is a major center for textile manufacturing. For decades, PFAS compounds were used in stain-resistant coatings for carpets and rugs. Manufacturing waste entered the Conasauga and Oostanaula rivers, creating a downstream PFAS contamination problem that extends into the drinking water supply for communities along those river systems.
Is Atlanta's water supply affected by PFAS?+
Atlanta's main drinking water sources are the Chattahoochee River and reservoirs. These surface sources are generally less contaminated than groundwater near military bases. However, PFAS has been detected in many Georgia waterways. Check your water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for current PFAS testing results specific to your Atlanta-area system.
What is happening at Moody Air Force Base?+
Moody AFB near Valdosta has some of the most documented PFAS contamination in Georgia. PFAS from AFFF used in firefighting training reached groundwater above 70 ppt in some wells near the base. The Air Force has offered alternative water sources to affected residents and is conducting remediation. This is an active cleanup site.
Does Georgia have stricter PFAS rules than the EPA?+
No. Georgia follows federal EPA limits and has not adopted its own stricter MCLs. The EPA's 4 ppt limits for PFOA and PFOS are the applicable standard. Some states like Massachusetts and New York have stricter rules. Georgia residents rely on federal enforcement through EPA and Georgia EPD oversight.
Protect Your Water Now
You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.