Can Contaminated Water Cause Cancer?

Ongoing Alleged Water Contamination Cancer Lawsuit

Over 700 United States military installations have been identified by the Department of Defense as potential sites of PFAS water contamination. Individuals who lived or worked on or near these bases that developed health conditions, including cancers, have filed lawsuits.

If you or a loved one spent time on a base and later developed a health issue, legal options may be available. You can request a free case evaluation to determine whether legal options exist for your situation.

Disclaimer: This page offers general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Allegations mentioned are unproven in court. Information is based on public sources. Inquiries are shared with a partner firm under a marketing arrangement.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor about any health concerns.

What Is Contaminated Water?

Contaminated water contains harmful substances, such as chemicals and microbes. These pollutants make water unsafe to drink and use for most purposes.

Definition & Common Sources

According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency):

A water “contaminant” is anything other than water molecules.

There are several ways that water can become contaminated; here are some common examples:

• Industrial Pollution
• Hazardous Waste
• Agricultural Runoff & Fertilizers
• Water Treatment Byproducts
• Aging Infrastructure & Pipe Corrosion

What Contaminants in Water Are Linked to Cancer?

Water contamination can pose serious, often undetected, health risks due to the presence of harmful substances. Some contaminants in drinking water have been linked to serious health risks, including cancer, but not all are immediately harmful.

Drinking water worldwide can contain hazardous substances. Some of these have been classified as potential or probable carcinogens based on scientific research. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notorious waterborne contaminants linked to cancer.

Arsenic

Longstanding arsenic exposure has been associated with DNA damage, oxidative stress, and disruptions in normal cell function. The damage occurs silently over years, often without immediate symptoms, making it an insidious health threat.

Scientific studies have found that long-term arsenic exposure in drinking water may be associated with an increased risk of liver, lung, bladder, and kidney cancer. These findings do not establish legal causation.

Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)

Water treatment prevents disease, but it can also produce disinfection byproducts (DBPs).

Chlorine and chloramine are common disinfectants. When they mix with natural organic matter in water, they can form toxic compounds. Some of these compounds have been linked to an increased risk of cancer in scientific studies.

Nitrate & Nitrites

Nitrate contamination is one of the most widespread water safety issues. It is primarily caused by fertilizer runoff, livestock waste, and septic system leaks. Once in the body, nitrates convert into N-nitroso compounds (NOCs), which are known carcinogens.

Studies have connected nitrates in drinking water to several types of cancer. These include thyroid, ovarian, bladder, kidney, and colorectal cancers. These associations are based on scientific research and do not establish legal causation.

Radionuclides

Most people associate radiation exposure with nuclear disasters or medical imaging. However, they often overlook that it can also come from drinking water. Radionuclides, such as uranium, radium, and radon, naturally occur in the earth’s crust but can leach into groundwater. 

Long-term exposure to drinking water containing high levels of radionuclides has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

PFAS

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals. They are used in nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, water-resistant fabrics, industrial processes, and more.

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. They have become a global water crisis, with contamination reported in drinking water supplies across all 50 U.S. states.

Some studies suggest that PFAS exposure may be associated with increased risks of testicular, kidney, and liver cancer. It may also be linked to effects on the immune system. These associations are based on scientific studies and do not establish legal causation.

Water contamination has been documented in certain military bases. This includes Fort Ord, Camp Pendleton, Cherry Point, and Fort Bragg.

How to Know If Your Water Is Contaminated

Contaminated water isn’t always obvious. Many harmful substances, like lead, arsenic, bacteria, and some industrial chemicals, are invisible. They don’t change how water tastes or smells. However, sure signs may suggest that your water isn’t safe to drink.

Signs & Symptoms of Unsafe Drinking Water

Let’s go over the physical signs and health symptoms that can be linked to contaminated water.

Physical Signs of Contaminated Water

These are some physical signs linked to contaminated water: 

• Cloudiness or discoloration – Water should be clear; a brown, yellow, or green tint can indicate rust, bacteria, or chemicals.
• Unusual smell – A rotten egg odor suggests sulfur. A chlorine or chemical-like scent could indicate disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
• Metallic taste – A bitter or sharp metallic flavor may indicate lead, copper, or high mineral content.
• Slimy or oily texture – This could be caused by chemical runoff, industrial waste, or microbial growth.

Health Symptoms Linked to Contaminated Water

These are some health symptoms linked to contaminated water:

• Digestive issues – Persistent nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps may result from bacterial or chemical exposure.
• Neurological effects – Dizziness, memory problems, or developmental delays could indicate lead or mercury exposure.
• Skin irritation – Rashes or irritation may be due to chemical exposure, PFAS, or high chlorine levels.

How to Test Your Water for Contaminants

Regular water testing is the only reliable way to detect harmful contaminants. Whether you rely on a municipal water supply or a private well, testing is a part of routine water safety best practices.

At-Home Testing Kits

Home testing kits are widely available and can detect contaminants like:

• Lead
• Nitrates & Nitrites
• Chlorine & Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
• Bacteria (E. coli, coliforms, etc.)

Checking Local Water Reports

Annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) provide detailed water quality analysis for those on municipal water systems. These reports list:

• Contaminant levels found in your local supply
• EPA safety standards and whether your water exceeds them
• Potential health risks associated with the detected contaminants

Where to Find It:

• Visit your water utility’s website
• Check the EPA’s Drinking Water Watch database
• Request a physical copy from your water provider

Key Insight: Municipal reports do NOT cover household plumbing contamination (e.g., lead from old pipes). For this reason, individual testing may still be necessary.

What Are Your Legal Rights If You Were Exposed to Contaminated Water?

You or a loved one may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water. If a serious health issue, such as cancer, developed afterward, you may have legal options. Whether those options apply depends on your specific circumstances.

In some cases, legal action may offer a way to pursue compensation. Whether compensation is available depends on the specific facts and legal circumstances of each claim.

Can You File a Lawsuit for Water Contamination & Cancer?

Filing a water contamination lawsuit depends on several factors, including:

• Proof of Contaminant Exposure

You’ll need evidence that your drinking water contains harmful substances. These may include lead, arsenic, PFAS, nitrates, or radioactive materials.

• Medical Diagnosis Linked to Exposure

To claim compensation, you must show that your illness, such as bladder, kidney, or thyroid cancer, is linked to a contaminant in your water. This link must be supported by scientific evidence.

• Negligence or Misconduct

In most cases, proving negligence or failure to act is necessary to establish liability. In limited circumstances, certain environmental laws may impose liability solely based on contamination.

How to Find Out If You Qualify for a Claim

If you were exposed to contaminated water and developed a serious illness, you may be eligible to explore legal options. Here’s what to do:

• Check Your Water Supply – Review local water reports for contaminants like lead, arsenic, PFAS, or nitrates.
• Confirm a Medical Diagnosis – Certain cancers and health conditions are linked to water contamination. Keep medical records.
• Get Legal Advice – A lawyer can evaluate your case and help you seek compensation.

Filing deadlines may apply. Consider contacting a qualified attorney to learn more about your legal options.

How Do I Find a Lawyer for a Water Contamination Case?

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

If you need legal help for a military base water contamination case, you can request a free consultation.

Other law firms also handle similar cases. Consultation does not guarantee case acceptance.

Schedule your free consultation here.