Congratulations to Srimanti and Gayatri on publishing their work titled "Land use and land cover shape organic contaminant distribution in the Oconee River watershed in Georgia" in npj Emerging Contaminants. This study explores how land use and land cover (from urban areas to forests and recreational spaces) directly shape the quality of the water flowing through our rivers and, ultimately, into our communities. We detected various organic contaminants, including pesticides and industrial chemicals, in surface waters across different landscapes, with some of the highest levels found in places often assumed to be pristine. This work highlights a critical GeoHealth connection: the health of our environment is deeply tied to human well-being. Clean water is not just an ecological concern, but a public health necessity. Our findings call for a renewed focus on how land-use decisions impact water safety and long-term community health. We are grateful to Mr. William Cottrell from the Athens-Clarke County Water Treatment Plant and the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department for their continued collaboration and support. This paper is not just about contaminants, it’s about understanding how the choices we make on land affect the water we depend on, and how science can guide us toward healthier, more resilient communities. Read and share: Land use and land cover shape organic contaminant distribution in the Oconee River watershed in Georgia
