New Report Ranks Alabama Second-Worst in Drinking Water Pollution.
Alabama has the second-highest number of water systems in the nation where contaminants called perfluorinated chemicals or PFC’s have been detected in the drinking water, according to a new report.
And for decades they were used to manufacture things like non-stick cookware and fabric stain protectors.
Alabama has 15 public water systems where the US Environmental Protection Agency has detected these toxic chemicals, plus three more sites with known contamination.
David Andrews, senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group, says Alabama’s ranking has to do with the number of contaminated water systems, related lawsuits, and media coverage of the affected communities.
“And this is partially due to the presence of a large manufacturing facility in the state,” Andrews says.
That large manufacturing facility is 3M, maker of Scotchgard and other products, which lawsuits contend is the source of contaminants in the Decatur area.
Much of the data in the report is based on EPA samples.
The EPA only issues guidelines.
So he urges residents to get their water tested through the local utilities, and to push state lawmakers to implement protections.