Military Base Water Contamination: What Are Your Rights?

Military Base Water Contamination: What Are Your Rights?

For decades, military bases across the United States have unknowingly exposed service members, their families, and civilian employees to contaminated water. The culprit? Often, it’s a group of man-made chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), dubbed “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. If you or a loved one has been affected by water contamination at a military base, understanding your rights is crucial. Shockingly, PFAS levels in some military base water sources have reached over 213,000 parts per trillion, while the average U.S. water supply hovers around 10 to 15 ppt.

The Sources of Contamination

Several sources contribute to water contamination on military bases, with the most common being aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting training and emergency responses since the 1970s. Other sources include:

  • Industrial Solvents: Chemicals used in maintenance and cleaning activities.
  • Jet Fuel: Leaks and spills from aircraft operations.
  • Landfills and Waste Sites: Improper disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Underground Storage Tanks: Leaking tanks containing fuel and other chemicals.

These contaminants seep into the ground, polluting groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Health Risks Associated with Contaminated Water

Exposure to PFAS and other contaminants can lead to a range of serious health issues, including:

  • Cancers: Kidney, testicular, liver, and thyroid cancers have been linked to PFAS exposure.
  • Liver Damage: Elevated liver enzymes and other liver abnormalities.
  • Immune System Effects: Weakened immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
  • Thyroid Disease: Disruption of thyroid function, leading to various disorders.
  • Reproductive Issues: Reduced fertility and pregnancy complications.
  • Ulcerative Colitis: PFAS, a common contaminant, is linked to ulcerative colitis.
  • Birth Defects and Pregnancy Complications.

It’s important to note that symptoms may not appear for many years after the initial exposure, making it challenging to connect health issues to the contamination.

Who is at Risk?

The following groups of people are at risk of experiencing health problems due to military base water contamination:

  • Active duty service members
  • Military family members
  • Veterans
  • Civilian employees
  • Individuals living near military bases

Your Legal Rights

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a health condition linked to water contamination at a military base, you may have several legal options:

  1. File a Lawsuit: You can file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of PFAS-containing products or the government for failing to protect you from exposure. As of December 2025, there are 15,334 active cases consolidated into MDL# 2873 – Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation in South Carolina Federal Courts.
  2. Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022: If you were affected by water contamination at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987, you can file a claim under this act.
  3. VA Benefits: Veterans can apply for service-related disability benefits if they can show that their military service led to illness or disease because of toxic exposure on contaminated military bases.

Steps to Take

If you believe you have been affected by military base water contamination, take the following steps to protect your rights:

  1. Gather Evidence: Collect medical records documenting your health issues and any diagnoses related to exposure to contaminated water. Also, gather any available evidence of residence or service on the affected military base during the contamination period.
  2. Consult with an Attorney: Seek out a lawyer or law firm specializing in environmental personal injury law and military-related cases. They will have the expertise to advise you on the viability of your case and the specific laws that may apply.
  3. File a Claim: Depending on the timing and location of the contamination, specific acts may provide a pathway for seeking financial compensation. Your attorney will guide you on the appropriate path under which to file your claim.
  4. Document Exposure and Harm: Provide detailed documentation of your exposure to the contaminated water and the resulting health effects.
  5. Join a PFAS Class Action Lawsuit (If Applicable): In some cases, joining a PFAS class action lawsuit may be the best course of action. When many individuals have been affected similarly, a class action can provide a way to consolidate evidence.

Compensation

Successful legal actions can provide compensation for:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other damages related to PFAS exposure

Military Bases with Known Contamination

Nearly every significant military base has some level of PFAS contamination in the ground water. Some of the military bases affected by contaminated water include:

  • Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville, North Carolina)
  • Camp Pendleton
  • Cherry Point
  • Fort Benning
  • Fort Bragg
  • Fort Carson
  • Fort Detrick
  • Fort Dix
  • Fort Drum
  • Fort Jackson
  • Fort Ord
  • Lackland Air Force Base

What to Do Next

The fight for justice for those affected by military base water contamination is ongoing. Staying informed about your legal rights and options is crucial. If you or a loved one has been affected, seeking legal counsel is highly recommended to explore your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.