Millions of families in the United States may have consumed drinking water contaminated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS include perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) and perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”). These chemicals have been used for years in various industrial applications, including firefighting foam products designed to extinguish chemical fires.
Across the country, the use of PFAS has contributed to increased groundwater contamination. Exposure to PFAS in contaminated groundwater can cause cancer and other health conditions. If you have been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek financial compensation. This page will provide news and updates about PFAS water contamination lawsuits and our estimated value of these cases.
If you have cancer and believe it was caused by PFAS exposure, call our PFAS lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or get a free consultation with no obligation. Our law firm makes it easy to sign up for a water contamination lawsuit and obtain compensation.
Latest Updates on PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits for 2025
We begin by keeping you informed with the latest news, information, and updates regarding PFAS water contamination lawsuits:
August 18, 2025
A judge in Maryland has denied Purdue Pharma’s attempt to dismiss the PFAS lawsuit.
In a strategic win for the plaintiffs, a federal judge in Maryland rejected Purdue Pharma’s motion to dismiss a newly filed PFAS contamination lawsuit brought by residents of Salisbury, who allege dumping of toxic, polluted water. Two of the claims were dismissed, including one involving cleanup funding by the company. However, the core of the case remains alive and will proceed. This decision indicates that courts are refusing to shield the industry from accountability—even at the early procedural stages—allowing plaintiffs’ attorneys to press forward with key discovery and remediation demands.
August 8, 2025
New Jersey Secures Record-Breaking $2B PFAS Settlement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva
New Jersey has reached the state’s largest-ever environmental settlement—worth $2 billion—with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to resolve PFAS contamination claims at four industrial sites. The settlement spans several decades, establishing cleanup and safety nets in case of default or bankruptcy. Plaintiffs’ attorneys may point to this as a benchmark—proof that persistence and coordinated litigation can deliver meaningful compensation and remediation.
For personal injury and wrongful death victims, however, it is harder to celebrate. Their turn for compensation is yet to come.
August 5, 2025
Wisconsin Supreme Court Gives Regulators Green Light to Enforce PFAS Cleanup
In a 5-2 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court granted state regulators the authority to demand PFAS cleanup—even before the chemicals are formally designated as hazardous. This early regulatory authority opens a strategic front, enabling trial teams to secure initial cleanup mandates against polluters.
July 21, 2025
Clark County Residents Join AFFF Lawsuit Over Toxic Exposure
In a new lawsuit filed last week, residents of Clark County, Nevada have brought a water contamination case, alleging serious and long-lasting health effects from exposure to toxic firefighting foam.
The plaintiffs claim they were exposed to AFFF while living near military installations and firefighting training centers in southern Nevada, including Las Vegas and surrounding areas. Exposure occurred through occupational use and contaminated drinking water. The foam containing PFAS—a class of chemicals linked to cancer and immune disorders—was allegedly used for decades without warning or protective measures.
The lawsuit accuses chemical manufacturers of knowingly distributing dangerous products while concealing their health risks. Plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the establishment of a medical monitoring program.
As momentum builds nationwide, this filing marks another step toward holding corporations accountable for widespread PFAS contamination. Attorneys are rushing to file these cases, believing that claims already filed may be prioritized in any future settlement framework.
July 17, 2025
DuPont Agrees to $27 Million Settlement in Hoosick Falls PFAS Class Action
After nearly nine years of litigation, DuPont will pay $27 million to resolve a class action over PFAS-contaminated drinking water in Hoosick Falls, New York—bringing the total recovery for the affected community to more than $92 million.
This outcome demonstrates how sustained pressure and community-driven litigation can ultimately deliver concrete results, even if they are unwelcome for the defendants.
July 10, 2025
New Mexico Targets Air Force in PFAS Groundwater Contamination Suit
New Mexico has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Air Force, alleging that it ignored state directives to remediate a PFAS plume from Cannon Air Force Base that has contaminated drinking water, agriculture, and even forced the culling of thousands of dairy cows.
The lawsuit seeks remediation, compensation, and binding cleanup protocols—reminding litigants that even federal actors can be held accountable under state toxic tort frameworks.
July 9, 2025
AFFF Settlements May Be Near – Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
If you are interested in bringing a PFAS/AFFF lawsuit, this is your window.
Behind the scenes, settlement negotiations are heating up. Based on what we’re hearing from close contacts in the litigation, we believe a global deal for personal injury claims could be coming soon. The court is applying pressure, and the chemical manufacturers know their time is running out. If you want to be part of the first wave of payouts, your claim needs to be filed now, not later.
Here’s the reality: when these settlements hit, plaintiffs already in the system will be at the front of the line. If you wait until after a framework is announced, your chances of securing a priority spot drop significantly. Filing a claim now preserves your right to opt into any global deal and positions you as strongly as possible.
Our PFAS water contamination lawyers are closely following the negotiations and understand how the process is unfolding. If you want in, this is the moment. Call today—because the opportunity to join the collective settlement will not remain open forever (and likely not for much longer).
June 18, 2025
EPA Delays TCE Worker Safety Rules Amid Legal Battle
The EPA has postponed the enforcement of key safety rules on trichloroethylene (TCE) for battery separators and document coating manufacturers until August 19, 2025.
Industries argue that the EPA’s 2024 limit of 0.2 ppm is economically crippling and technically unworkable. Microporous LLC and other stakeholders have requested raising the exposure limit to 6.0 ppm. Meanwhile, PPG Industries contends that the rule threatens a $1 billion market.
Labor and environmental groups are pushing back, warning that the delay leaves workers unsafe from TCE exposure. The dangers of TCE are well documented, yet companies want the freedom to continue exposing workers because mitigation costs hurt their bottom line.
Does this ever end? This is yet another example of federal regulators caving to industry pressure while workers pay the price. When agencies hesitate to act, it falls on trial lawyers to step in for those left behind—sick, disabled, or dead. This delay does not protect industry innovation. It protects corporate negligence.
June 12, 2025
AFFF MDL Surpasses 10,000 Cases as Bellwether Trial Approaches
The aqueous film-forming foam multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) has expanded to include more than 10,391 pending cases, with 1,049 new lawsuits filed in the past month alone.
This surge is largely attributed to plaintiffs seeking inclusion in potential settlements ahead of scheduled bellwether trials. Our attorneys believe that a global settlement could arrive at any time this year.
The first personal injury bellwether trial—focused specifically on kidney cancer claims—is set to begin on October 20, 2025. However, it is very possible this trial will never actually take place.
June 10, 2025
Science Day Scheduled to Address PFAS Health Effects
Judge Gergel has scheduled a “Science Day” in the AFFF MDL for June 20, 2025. This session will allow both plaintiffs and defendants to present scientific evidence regarding the health effects of PFAS exposure—particularly focusing on liver and thyroid cancers.
The outcomes of this session are expected to influence the admissibility of expert testimony and shape strategies for upcoming bellwether trials.
More updates and news on water contamination lawsuits to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits
PFAS contamination has become one of the largest environmental and public health crises in recent history, affecting drinking water, military bases, and entire communities. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers such as 3M, DuPont, and Chemours, along with claims targeting the U.S. government for mishandling toxic firefighting foam.
If you were exposed to PFAS and developed a serious health condition—such as cancer or thyroid disease—you may be eligible for compensation.
Below, our attorneys break down the most common questions about PFAS water contamination lawsuits, including who is eligible, the expected settlement amounts, and why some cases are stronger than others.
PFAS
PFAS are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These synthetic chemicals are known for their ability to resist grease, water, and oil. The two most common types of PFAS are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
PFAS have been in use for over 60 years, and during that time, they have been widely used in various industrial and consumer applications. PFAS have been found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, cleaning products, and paints. However, the most significant use of PFAS was in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly referred to as firefighting foam.
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they have proven to be highly resistant to virtually any environmental degradation. As a result, when PFAS are introduced into the environment, they do not degrade, dilute, or break down.
PFAS Groundwater Contamination
In recent years, environmental studies and testing have identified widespread PFAS contamination in groundwater across the United States. Because of their chemical properties, groundwater is highly vulnerable to PFAS pollution.
PFAS can easily be released into the environment wherever these chemicals are manufactured, used, disposed of, or discarded. PFAS are highly mobile chemicals, so once released into the environment, they are easily transported by stormwater runoff. Through this pathway, PFAS end up in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. PFAS also leach from soil (where, unlike other chemicals, they are not filtered) and eventually make their way into groundwater.
Groundwater contamination with PFAS is widespread near areas where PFAS were manufactured. Water pollution is also highly likely near sites where PFAS-containing products were regularly used or disposed of. For example, airports are often hotspots of contamination because firefighting foam was frequently used in training exercises. Once firefighting foam is sprayed, PFAS quickly seep into groundwater with little reduction.
Drinking Water Standards
The regulation of drinking water in the United States is more than a century old, beginning in 1914 with the U.S. Public Health Service establishing the first formal standards. These early rules were primarily focused on eliminating harmful bacteria, such as coliforms, to prevent waterborne disease. Although limited by the scientific tools of the time, this foundational effort marked the start of a more systematic approach to protecting public health.
As scientific understanding advanced, so did the scope of regulatory oversight. By 1925, standards had expanded to include certain inorganic chemicals, recognizing that not only pathogens but also chemical contaminants could pose risks to human health. This awareness deepened further with additional regulatory milestones in 1942 and in the decades that followed.
A pivotal moment came in 1963 with the release of the Drinking Water Standards Report. This document listed known contaminants and their health effects, serving as an essential reference for shaping water safety regulations. Among the listed hazards was trichloroethylene (TCE)—an industrial solvent and member of the chlorinated hydrocarbon family—which had already been identified as a potential health threat in drinking water.
This expanding body of knowledge has shaped modern water regulations, resulting in more sophisticated methods to detect and manage both microbial and chemical hazards in drinking water.
TCE and Drinking Water
TCE is the most common organic contaminant in groundwater, accounting for 93% of public water systems. TCE is present in one-third of our drinking water sources.
Private wells (used by about 10% of Americans for crop irrigation and drinking water) are not monitored for TCE levels. Exposure to TCE can be elevated for individuals who use cleaning products containing TCE, residents of certain industrial areas, or people living near facilities where TCE is released into soil, groundwater, and/or drinking water wells—whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Safe Drinking Water Act and MCL
Enacted in 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) established comprehensive standards for ensuring the safety of drinking water in the United States. This landmark legislation mandated the implementation of primary and secondary drinking water standards to guarantee water quality and protect public health.
Under the SDWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with setting Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), which are enforceable standards defining the highest permissible concentration of contaminants in public water systems.
An MCL is derived from the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG), which represents the level at which no known or anticipated health effects occur, thereby allowing a margin of safety. Notably, for carcinogens, the MCLG is set at zero, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy for cancer-causing substances in drinking water.
EPA’s regulation of MCLs primarily targets a wide variety of hazardous contaminants, including pesticides, trihalomethanes (a byproduct of chlorine disinfection), and several chlorinated solvents. These solvents include vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene, dichloroethylene, and benzene. Such contaminants have been central issues in high-profile environmental litigation, such as the Camp Lejeune toxic water case.
MCLs serve as vital tools in the EPA’s arsenal to combat water contamination and safeguard drinking water from chemical hazards—reflecting ongoing efforts to protect public health from the harmful effects of contaminated water supplies.
PFAS Are Linked to Cancer and Other Health Risks
Current scientific research has determined that long-term exposure to high levels of PFAS can lead to cancer and other adverse health conditions. Scientific studies have conclusively found that exposure to PFAS at certain levels can cause:
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Increased risk of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer
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Reproductive health damage, including infertility
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Pregnancy complications
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Developmental issues in children, including reduced bone density and early puberty
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Immune system problems
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Ulcerative colitis
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Thyroid disease
The development of cancer and other health conditions may occur years after an individual’s exposure to PFAS.
In 2016, both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (NTP) National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) released comprehensive analyses of the growing body of research on the negative effects of PFAS.
The NTP concluded that both PFOA and PFOS are considered an immune hazard to humans, based on a “consistent pattern” of immune effects in human epidemiological studies and “high confidence” that PFOA and PFOS exposure was associated with responses in 28 animal studies.
The IARC similarly concluded that there is “evidence” of carcinogenicity of PFOA in both humans and experimental animals, stating that a positive association between the agent and cancer has been observed, for which a causal interpretation is credible.
PFAS Water Contamination Sites
As of October 2021, PFAS water contamination has been detected across the United States, with 2,854 sites identified as PFAS-contaminated locations. PFAS contamination has been found not only in groundwater sources but also in numerous municipal water supply systems. PFAS has polluted municipal water systems in 33 states and groundwater in 38 states. It is estimated that 16 million people are exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
The most common locations for PFAS water contamination are near military bases, industrial sites, and airports. For decades, firefighting foam has been used in training exercises at U.S. military bases and commercial airports. This foam eventually made its way into water systems. A 2020 Department of Defense report identified 600 military sites and surrounding areas with PFAS water contamination.
DOD Report Reveals PFAS Water Contamination at Military Bases
As you can see from this picture, there is no question that water contamination at and near military bases is a serious issue. Last week, the Department of Defense released a report detailing the results of a testing program that reviewed water supply quality at U.S. military bases in seven states (Florida, Pennsylvania, Montana, Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Virginia). The testing was conducted on drinking water samples from off-base locations adjacent to or “downgradient” from military bases or facilities.
The DOD water testing report shows that drinking water at many of these off-base locations is heavily contaminated with PFAS. Testing near seven military installations revealed PFAS levels in water supplies above 70 parts per billion (ppb)—the maximum safe level set by the EPA. At these locations, PFAS contamination was primarily the result of training operations using firefighting foam that contained PFAS.
The DOD report specifically named seven military sites where water supplies tested above 70 ppb of PFAS, including Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Pennsylvania, Camp Grayling Army Airfield in Michigan, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Washington. Nationwide, PFAS has been found in the water supply at nearly 400 military bases, and environmental advocacy groups claim that hundreds more sites are suspected of contamination, though not yet confirmed.
PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits
Over the past several years, an increasing number of lawsuits have been filed against PFAS manufacturers and companies that produced products containing PFAS. These lawsuits have been brought both by local municipalities, alleging that their water systems were contaminated, and by individuals claiming they developed cancer or other health conditions from drinking contaminated water.
The defendants in these PFAS water contamination lawsuits include many large chemical manufacturers and industrial companies. Some of the most prominent companies named as primary defendants are 3M and DuPont. From 1970 to 2012, 3M manufactured and sold AFFF firefighting foam containing PFAS. DuPont and its corporate spin-offs produced PFAS and supplied them to other companies like 3M since the 1940s.
In addition to the lawsuits filed by municipalities, thousands of individuals have filed their own PFAS water contamination claims. These cases allege that plaintiffs consumed PFAS-contaminated drinking water and, as a result of this exposure in their water supply, developed cancer and other adverse health conditions.
Our lawyers are also focusing on specific geographic areas for PFAS lawsuits:
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Michigan
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New Jersey
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California (within 20 miles of San Jose or East Los Angeles)
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Ohio (within 20 miles of Cleveland)
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Colorado (within 20 miles of Denver or Colorado Springs)
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Minnesota (within 20 miles of Minneapolis)
Norfolk PFAS Water Contamination
Water is a growing concern in Norfolk. Our water contamination attorneys’ investigations specifically target key areas within the city known for potential PFAS contributions:
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Naval Station Norfolk: As the world’s largest naval station, particular attention is given to the use and disposal of PFAS-containing materials—primarily firefighting foams used in training and emergency response. Concerns center around how these substances infiltrated local water systems through runoff and groundwater discharges.
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Norfolk Industrial Sector: Concentrated along the Elizabeth River, this sector includes manufacturing and chemical processing plants with a history of PFAS use in various applications. The focus is on how waste handling and emissions from these facilities have contributed to PFAS levels in nearby water sources.
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Wastewater Treatment Facilities: Investigations are assessing the effectiveness of Norfolk’s wastewater treatment in removing PFAS before discharge into waterways. This includes evaluating PFAS release and retention in sewage sludge, which may be used as fertilizer or disposed of in landfills, potentially reintroducing PFAS into the environment.
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Residential Areas: Given the widespread use of PFAS in consumer products, investigations also consider household contributions through residential waste, with a focus on how urban runoff and municipal water systems are impacted.
Harford County PFAS Water Contamination
Harford County, a rural and quiet Maryland county, is becoming an increasing concern regarding its drinking water. There are several well-known sources of PFAS:
The Harford County PFAS Water Contamination Investigation zeroes in on specific areas and sources within the county that are potential hotspots for PFAS contamination.
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Aberdeen Proving Ground: This military installation is a major focus due to the historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. Investigations examine how these chemicals migrated from training sites into local water reservoirs and surface waters, posing risks to both the environment and public health.
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Industrial Facilities in the Greater Edgewood Area: This region hosts multiple facilities engaged in chemical manufacturing and processing that have historically used PFAS. Detailed inquiries assess how improper disposal or leaks contributed to elevated PFAS levels found in nearby rivers and drinking water sources.
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Municipal Water Systems and Treatment Plants: Special attention is given to the systems that handle the county’s drinking water—particularly how they manage, treat, and monitor water for PFAS contamination. The effectiveness of current filtration systems in removing PFAS is being evaluated, along with potential upgrades needed to meet safety standards.
- Landfills and Waste Management Sites: The investigations also cover landfills where industrial and municipal waste may have introduced PFAS into groundwater. This includes reviewing historical waste disposal practices and current leachate management systems to assess how further contamination can be prevented.
By identifying these specific areas of concern, Harford County aims not only to map the extent of PFAS contamination but also to develop targeted remediation strategies. The ultimate goal is to reduce PFAS levels within the water supply to safe limits, ensuring the protection of public health and compliance with environmental regulations.
Maryland PFAS Water Contamination Investigations
Maryland is becoming a focal point of concern regarding water contamination. The areas of focus include:
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Aberdeen Proving Ground: Known for military testing and training activities that historically involved the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. This Harford County site is under investigation for its impacts on surrounding water reservoirs and groundwater systems.
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Patuxent River Naval Air Station: Another military site where PFAS use in training exercises and emergency response scenarios has raised concerns about leaching into the local water supply.
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Edgewood Area Landfills: Given their proximity to industrial zones, local landfills are being examined for their role in PFAS contamination. Waste from PFAS-related industrial processes may have been disposed of here, posing a risk of seeping into groundwater.
- Baltimore Industrial Area: This region hosts numerous manufacturing facilities, including chemical plants and textile manufacturers, which have used PFAS in their production processes. Investigations are focused on how waste management practices at these plants have contributed to water contamination.
- Belcamp and Riverside Areas: These areas are home to various industrial facilities engaged in potential PFAS-related activities, including electronics manufacturing and chemical processing. The investigations aim to assess the extent of industrial contributions to PFAS levels in local water systems.
- Curtis Bay: Known for its concentration of industrial operations, including waste treatment and processing facilities that may handle PFAS materials, potentially leading to groundwater and Chesapeake Bay contamination.
- Hagerstown Landfill: This landfill is under scrutiny due to the disposal of PFAS-containing industrial waste, which may seep into groundwater and impact the water sources of the local community.
Latest Updates and Legal Developments in PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits
1940s
PFAS chemicals were first developed.
3M and DuPont began producing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances for military and industrial use. The chemicals quickly gained popularity due to their heat-, water-, and grease-resistant properties—as well as their low cost.
1960s
Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Introduced.
The U.S. Navy and 3M developed Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam containing PFAS. This product was widely used at military bases and airports, unintentionally contaminating groundwater for decades and exposing firefighters to cancer-causing chemicals.
1970s
PFAS Found in Human Blood
Internal company studies confirmed that PFAS chemicals accumulate in human blood. Despite this growing understanding—which would later earn them the label “forever chemicals”—production continued, leading to long-term environmental contamination.
1998
EPA Receives First Warning About PFAS
3M notified the EPA of what is now clear: PFAS chemicals are toxic and bioaccumulative. The agency began assessing the risks but took no immediate regulatory action.
2001
First Major PFAS Lawsuit Filed
A class action lawsuit against DuPont alleged that PFAS-contaminated drinking water in Parkersburg, West Virginia caused serious health problems. Filed 24 years ago, this case became a pivotal milestone in PFAS litigation.
2016
EPA Issues PFAS Health Advisory
The EPA set a health advisory limit for PFAS in drinking water at 70 parts per trillion (ppt).
2020
First Nationwide PFAS Water Contamination MDL
A PFAS class action MDL (MDL No. 2873) was created, consolidating hundreds of contaminated water cases.
2023
3M and DuPont Settle for $10.3 Billion
3M and DuPont agreed to a historic $10.3 billion PFAS lawsuit settlement for contaminated public water systems. What pushed them to settle? An upcoming trial date—the very thing we believe will drive settlements in personal injury and wrongful death PFAS cases.
February 2024
EPA Sets First Enforceable PFAS Limits
The EPA announced new federal standards for drinking water, limiting PFAS to 4 ppt, finally making these regulations enforceable. This decision strengthens PFAS drinking water lawsuits.
January 2025
New PFAS Cancer Study Links Exposure to Increased Risk
A new study has linked PFAS contamination in tap water to increased risks of kidney, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers. These findings bolster PFAS kidney cancer litigation and PFAS thyroid lawsuit claims.
August 2025
First Bellwether Trials Scheduled
These trials will be critical in determining the course of future PFAS lawsuit settlements and compensation for victims.
Estimated Settlement Value of PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits
In these settlements, defendants pay a large sum of money to resolve all pending cases.
In PFAS water contamination lawsuits, plaintiffs in the highest tier will be those with long-term exposure and diagnoses of severe, high-grade cancers closely linked to PFAS. These include kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers. Plaintiffs with less severe health conditions will fall into lower tiers.
Based on global settlements in previous mass tort cases involving similar claims, we estimate that high-tier PFAS water contamination lawsuits could settle for between $150,000 and $375,000.
Hiring a PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer
Our law firm represents victims of contaminated drinking water on a contingency fee basis.
Call our PFAS lawyers today at 800-553-8082 or get a free, no-obligation consultation.
