Coosa River Basin Initiative and Coosa Riverkeeper have announced their collaboration to monitor PFAS ( per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in the Coosa River Basin in Georgia and Alabama. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in various industries for their stain resistant and flame retardant properties. These persistent chemicals have been linked to potential health risks and have been, in the past, dumped in waterways.

Throughout the summer of 2023, teams from CRBI and Coosa Riverkeeper collected samples across strategic locations in the Coosa River Basin. The initiative to assess PFAS contamination levels is a proactive response to the rising concerns about the adverse effects of these substances on both the environment and public health.

This sampling effort showed widespread contamination, with 84.62% of sampling sites showing some level of PFAS contamination. More testing efforts must take place in order to comprehensively understand the extent of contamination in the Coosa River system. The Coosa River itself is formed by the confluence of the Oostanuaula and Etowah Rivers in Rome. The basin also contains the Chattooga River flowing out of Chattooga County, which joins the Coosa River in Alabama.

By addressing PFAS contamination head-on, CRBI and Coosa Riverkeeper aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding water quality and public health in the region.