News Summary
The city of Savannah has launched a lawsuit against over 60 companies for PFAS contamination in its drinking water. Allegations point to negligence from major manufacturers, resulting in serious health risks for the community. Despite new national standards established by the EPA, PFAS chemicals persist in the environment, prompting the city to seek damages and accountability while highlighting a growing trend across the U.S. as communities confront similar issues.
Savannah has initiated a lawsuit against over 60 companies allegedly responsible for PFAS contamination in the city’s drinking water. The legal action, filed in February, comes after the city reported PFAS levels exceeding the US EPA’s proposed limit earlier this year. This contamination is linked to serious health risks, prompting the city to seek accountability and recovery of damages.
PFAS, or Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used since the 1950s in various products for their water, heat, and grease-resistant properties. However, due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, these chemicals are chemically stable, making them resistant to breakdown and persistent in the environment. Current water treatment processes do not adequately eliminate PFAS, allowing these harmful substances to seep into soil and drinking water supplies.
Long-term exposure to PFAS is associated with severe health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems. The US EPA has estimated that PFAS contamination affects the drinking water of approximately 200 million people across the United States. Savannah’s lawsuit specifically targets PFAS manufacturers and industrial users, alleging that they contaminated the Abercorn Creek and Savannah River through their negligent practices.
Among the defendants in this lawsuit are major manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. The city contends that these companies were aware of the risks tied to PFAS but failed to properly inform both regulators and the public. The claims made against them include negligence, failure to warn, trespass, and violations of the Georgia Water Quality Control Act.
The Savannah lawsuit aims to hold these corporations accountable for their actions, recover damages incurred due to the contamination, and prevent further pollution of local water sources. In April 2024, the EPA established that there is no safe level of PFAS exposure, which led to the implementation of new national drinking water standards for public water systems.
As part of an independent initiative, the Savannah Riverkeeper tested nearly 30 samples from the Savannah River basin, all of which indicated PFAS contamination. Reports indicate that every sample tested contained these hazardous substances, intensifying the community’s concerns over drinking water safety.
In response to the health risks, Savannah has started taking steps to safeguard its water supplies. However, the costs associated with overhauling the water treatment system are projected to reach hundreds of millions of dollars. The city’s drinking water supply relies on treatment facilities that may need advanced technologies for the effective removal of PFAS chemicals.
Previous EPA administrator Scott Pruitt’s enactment of deregulations regarding PFAS management has spurred ongoing litigation and heightened public apprehension. Research continues into viable solutions for the removal of PFAS, including the development of absorbent materials such as granular activated carbon and ion-exchange resins.
As citizens become more aware of the risks, they are encouraged to take personal measures to reduce exposure, such as choosing products labeled as PFAS-free, opting for alternative cookware, and installing water filters. Additionally, a Boston University study indicated that high-fiber diets might assist in lowering PFAS levels within the body.
This lawsuit reflects a growing trend nationwide, with multiple states undertaking similar legal action against companies for PFAS-related contamination. As Savannah proceeds with its case, the city hopes to raise awareness about PFAS issues and ultimately improve the safety and quality of its drinking water.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alarming PFAS Contamination Found in Savannah River Basin
Savannah Files Lawsuit Against PFAS Polluters
Additional Resources
- The George-Anne: Forever Chemicals in Savannah’s Drinking Water
- Savannah Now: Savannah’s PFAS Lawsuit
- WSAV: City of Savannah Sues Nearly 50 Companies
- National Law Review: PFAS Lawsuit Against Industrial Users
- Wikipedia: PFAS
- Google Search: PFAS lawsuit
- Google Scholar: PFAS contamination
- Encyclopedia Britannica: PFAS
- Google News: PFAS news
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
