PFAS Water Contamination: Chemical Exposure and Your Legal Options

Are you concerned about the safety of your drinking water? You’re not alone. Recent data from the EPA shows that over 172 million Americans are at risk of drinking tap water contaminated with PFAS “forever chemicals” (EWG, 2025). These chemicals, used in countless products, don’t break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health problems. If you’ve been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water, understanding your legal options is crucial.

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industries since the 1940s. Their unique oil- and water-resistant properties make them ideal for products like:

Non-stick cookware
Water-repellent clothing
Firefighting foam (AFFF)

However, this durability comes at a cost. PFAS don’t break down naturally, leading to their accumulation in the environment, including water sources. Because of the strong carbon-fluorine bond, they are known as “forever chemicals” (Finz & Finz, P.C., 2025).

How Does PFAS Water Contamination Occur?

PFAS can enter water supplies through several routes, especially in areas with significant AFFF use:

Military bases: AFFF, used extensively in firefighting training, has contaminated groundwater near military facilities (Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, 2025).
Airports: Similar to military bases, airports also utilize AFFF for fire suppression (Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, 2025).
Industrial sites: Manufacturing facilities that produce or use PFAS can release these chemicals into the environment (EWG, 2025).
Wastewater treatment plants: PFAS are not easily removed during wastewater treatment, leading to their presence in treated water discharged into rivers and lakes (Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, 2025).

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including (EPA, 2024):

Increased risk of certain cancers: Kidney, testicular, liver, and thyroid cancers have been associated with PFAS exposure (Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, 2025).
Immune system dysfunction: PFAS can suppress the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections (PMC, 2024).
Liver damage: Elevated liver enzymes and other indicators of liver damage have been observed in people exposed to PFAS (Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, 2025).
Thyroid disease: PFAS can interfere with thyroid hormone production and function (Massachusetts Medical Society, 2024).
Reproductive and developmental effects: Decreased fertility, high blood pressure in pregnant women, low birth weight, and developmental delays in children have been linked to PFAS exposure (Massachusetts Medical Society, 2024).
Increased cholesterol levels: Studies have shown a correlation between PFAS exposure and elevated cholesterol levels (PMC, 2024).
Ulcerative Colitis: Studies have linked PFAS exposure to ulcerative colitis (Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, 2025).

It’s important to note that research is ongoing to fully understand the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure, especially at low levels (EPA, 2024).

EPA Regulations and Drinking Water Standards

The EPA has taken steps to address PFAS contamination in drinking water. In 2024, the agency finalized the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, establishing legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds (EPA, 2024):

PFOA: 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
PFOS: 4 ppt
PFHxS: 10 ppt
PFNA: 10 ppt
HFPO-DA (GenX): 10 ppt
PFAS mixtures: Hazard Index MCL of 1 for mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS

Public water systems are required to monitor for these PFAS and take action to reduce levels if they exceed the MCLs (EPA, 2024). They also have to inform the public about the levels of PFAS in their drinking water starting in 2027 (EPA, 2024).

However, recent reports indicate that the EPA may roll back limits on four PFAS, retaining standards only for PFOA and PFOS (US News, 2025). This could potentially weaken protections and make it harder to hold polluters accountable.

What are Your Legal Options?

If you’ve been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water and have suffered adverse health effects, you may have legal options. A PFAS water contamination lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your damages (TorHoerman Law, 2025).

Potential legal avenues include:

Lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers: Holding companies accountable for failing to protect the public from the known health risks of PFAS (Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, 2025).
Personal injury claims: Seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from PFAS exposure (Fletcher Law Office, LLC, 2025).
Property damage claims: Recovering losses in property value due to PFAS contamination (Fletcher Law Office, LLC, 2025).
Class action lawsuits: Joining a group of individuals with similar claims against a common defendant (Marin, Barrett, and Murphy Law Firm, 2025).

Compensation in PFAS lawsuits can cover:

Medical expenses (Finz & Finz, P.C., 2025)
Lost wages (Finz & Finz, P.C., 2025)
Pain and suffering (Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky, 2025)
Property damage (TorHoerman Law, 2025)
Medical monitoring costs (Fletcher Law Office, LLC, 2025)

Several factors can influence settlement amounts, including:

The level and duration of PFAS exposure (Sokolove Law, 2025)
The severity of the illness developed (Sokolove Law, 2025)
Medical bills and lost wages (Sokolove Law, 2025)

How to Protect Yourself from PFAS Contamination

While legal action can help you recover damages, taking steps to protect yourself from further exposure is essential. Here are some recommendations:

Test your water: If you suspect PFAS contamination, have your water tested by a certified laboratory (Fletcher Law Office, LLC, 2025).
Use a water filter: Install a home filtration system certified to remove PFAS (EWG, 2025). Look for filters that use activated carbon or reverse osmosis technology.
Avoid products containing PFAS: Reduce your exposure by avoiding non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and other products that may contain PFAS.
Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest news and regulations regarding PFAS contamination in your area.

Taking Action

PFAS water contamination is a serious issue with potentially devastating health consequences. If you believe you’ve been exposed to PFAS, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and consult with a qualified attorney to explore your legal options. By understanding your rights and taking proactive steps, you can protect your health and seek justice for the harm caused by these “forever chemicals.”