During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the ongoing issue of PFAS, commonly referred to as \"forever chemicals,\" in Newton County's water supply. Commissioner James Brown emphasized the need for regular updates on PFAS levels until they are completely eliminated from the water system. He expressed concern over the potential sources of contamination, particularly from local textile plants, and highlighted the importance of transparency for residents regarding water safety.

Brown urged that reports on PFAS levels be provided at every commission meeting, stressing that the health of the community should not be politicized. He recalled past incidents involving ethylene oxide, where insufficient communication led to health issues among residents, and called for proactive measures to ensure that citizens are informed about the quality of their water.

In response, County Manager Mister Cooper provided reassurance, stating that current PFAS levels in the water supply are less than 1%, which he described as extremely low. He explained that the contamination was primarily located at the William Street facility, which is currently being decommissioned and contributed minimally to the overall water supply. Cooper acknowledged the concerns raised about textile mills and committed to keeping the community informed as the situation develops.