PFAS WATER CONTAMINATION LAWSUITS

Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims on behalf of individuals harmed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contaminated drinking water. 

Toxic PFAS chemicals — including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — have been detected in both public and private water sources across the United States. It is linked to serious diseases including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and other life-altering conditions. PFAS chemicals are known carcinogens and their widespread use in manufacturing, industrial processes, and firefighting foam has resulted in contamination of drinking water supplies affecting millions of Americans. 

If you or a loved one has been harmed by exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals, contact us today.

What is PFAS Water Contamination?

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) — in water poses significant health concerns. 

These chemicals enter the water supply when industrial waste is released. 

Both chemicals are found in many popular consumer products. 

• PFOA was used as a processing aid in the manufacture of fluoropolymers, including those used in Teflon products made by DuPont. It is also used in fast food wrappers, waterproof clothing, carpet, dental floss, cosmetics, and hundreds of other products. 
• PFOS is used in the production of firefighting foam, as well as carpets, furniture, textiles, and leather. 

The majority of drinking water contamination results from proximity to facilities that manufacture products with PFAS. Any individual who drinks household water is at risk of exposure since average home filters do not remove the chemicals from the tap.

Due to their chemical composition, PFAS do not break down naturally. They are known as toxic “forever chemicals.” They remain in the environment for long periods of time and enter various sources including soil, water and air. When these chemicals are ingested, they may pose serious health problems.

PFAS Drinking Water Contamination: Health Risks and Legal Action

Exposure to PFAS is known to contribute to a variety of serious diseases and disorders affecting adults and children, including increased risks of cancer, autoimmune disorders and developmental problems. 

In 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified PFOA and PFOS as “emerging contaminants.” The Safe Drinking Water Act mandated improved water systems to monitor PFAS levels in the water. Based on peer-reviewed studies related to the effects of PFAS in the water supply, the EPA instituted drinking water limitations for PFOA and PFOS that were significantly lower than previous levels.

Lawsuits have been filed against government entities, manufacturers, and other producers of end products containing PFAS for personal injury claims, water provider claims, state/sovereign plaintiff claims, and medical monitoring claims to promote early detection. Residents and businesses that have been injured as a result of contaminated drinking water have brought lawsuits against these entities for engaging in negligent manufacturing processes and knowingly disposing chemicals that pose significant threats to the health, environment and property of residents.

• In August 2026, a federal court approved two landmark settlements totaling approximately $2.5 billion to resolve New Jersey’s long-running PFAS litigation against DuPont-related entities and 3M. 

The settlement with the DuPont entities, valued at over $2 billion, is reportedly the largest environmental settlement achieved by a single state. 

Including these settlements, New Jersey has recovered over $3 billion from PFAS-related lawsuits since 2019.

• In May 2026, the EPA proposed rules that would rescind previous drinking water regulations for several PFAS compounds, including PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, and would extend compliance deadlines for PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Level standards by two additional years, to 2031. 

The proposed rollback raised concerns for communities already affected by PFAS contamination in their drinking water supplies, as it would reduce the scope of enforceable federal protections for those exposed to these chemicals.

• In February 2025, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) — the agency’s highest classification — based on sufficient evidence of cancer in experimental animals and strong evidence in exposed humans, with limited evidence for testicular cancer and renal cell carcinoma in humans. 

PFOS was classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). Both chemicals are among the most common PFAS compounds found in contaminated drinking water supplies across the country.

• In July 2023, a U.S. Geological Survey study estimated that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water contains one or more types of PFAS.

The study found that PFAS concentrations were similar between public and private supplies, and that exposure was highest near urban areas, industrial sites, and known PFAS sources including firefighting training locations. 

Questions Families Ask Us