Dalton, Georgia's 'Carpet Capital' Faces Toxic Fallout

Investigation finds decades of PFAS 'forever chemical' pollution from carpet mills

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A joint investigation by several news outlets has uncovered how Dalton, Georgia's thriving carpet industry, known as the 'Carpet Capital of the World', has left a toxic legacy of PFAS 'forever chemicals' in the local water supply. For decades, carpet mills used these chemicals in stain-resistant treatments, discharging tainted wastewater into the Conasauga River system that provides drinking water for hundreds of thousands in Georgia and Alabama.

Why it matters

The widespread use of PFAS chemicals by Dalton's carpet industry has led to concerning levels of these persistent, toxic compounds in the local water supply, posing health risks to the community. This investigation sheds light on the environmental and public health consequences of industrial practices that prioritized profits over environmental safeguards.

The details

The joint investigation by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the AP, AL.com, FRONTLINE (PBS), and the Post and Courier found that Dalton's carpet mills used PFAS chemicals in Scotchgard- and Stainmaster-style treatments for decades, discharging tainted wastewater into the Conasauga River system. These 'forever chemicals' are nearly impossible to break down, contaminating the water, soil, and even people in the region.

  • Dalton has been known as the 'Carpet Capital of the World' for decades.
  • The joint investigation was published on February 15, 2026.

The players

Dalton, Georgia

A city in Georgia known as the 'Carpet Capital of the World' due to its thriving carpet industry.

Conasauga River

A river system that provides drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people in Georgia and Alabama, which has been contaminated by PFAS chemicals from Dalton's carpet mills.

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The takeaway

This investigation highlights the long-term environmental and public health consequences of industrial practices that prioritize profits over responsible environmental stewardship. The contamination of the local water supply with persistent, toxic PFAS chemicals underscores the need for stricter regulations and greater accountability to protect communities from the toxic fallout of industrial activities.