DD22Report.pdf

The Clean Water Act has had a significant impact on Georgia's water over the past 50 years, with the state's streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries improving steadily since its passage in 1972. Despite ongoing pollution problems, including raw sewage and sediment, the Act has enabled the restoration of Georgia's water bodies through landmark legal cases and citizen-led efforts. The Georgia Water Coalition's Dirty Dozen report highlights 12 notable cases that have furthered the goals of the Clean Water Act in Georgia, including forcing municipalities to upgrade sewer infrastructure and demanding compliance from industries. The report celebrates the progress made under the Act, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges and threats to its effectiveness, including emerging pollutants like PFAS and attacks on the Act itself from industry and political interests.