Can You Sue for Contaminated Water?

Ongoing Water Contamination Lawsuits

One group of individuals who may sue for contaminated water includes those exposed to toxic PFAS on U.S. military bases. The Department of Defense has flagged over 700 installations for possible contamination.

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

Understanding Water Contamination Lawsuits

Many people assume their water is safe to drink. It’s unfortunate that contamination happens more often than you might realize. Polluted water can lead to serious health problems, property damage, and financial strain. Legal action might result in compensation in certain cases; results depend entirely on case facts and applicable law.

Who Can File a Contaminated Water Lawsuit?

Anyone affected by contaminated water may have legal recourse. Those harmed can include individuals, families, businesses, and more. To pursue a lawsuit, you must demonstrate that the contaminated water resulted in actual harm. This harm can encompass health issues, property damage, or financial losses. For example:

• Residents exposed to toxic water for a prolonged period
• Homeowners facing property damage due to pollutants
• Families dealing with health issues caused by waterborne toxins
• Businesses that lost revenue because of unsafe water supplies

Each situation is different. The strength of a claim depends on the source of contamination, its impact, and the parties involved in the case.

Legal Grounds for Suing Over Contaminated Water

Water contamination lawsuits are based on specific legal principles that hold polluters accountable. The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is one of the key laws protecting public water systems. Passed in 1974, this law gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the power to establish national water quality standards and enforce regulations to prevent contamination. Despite these protections, violations still occur, leading to legal action.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

When toxic water leads to serious health problems, victims may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. A significant worry is PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Some studies have suggested associations between PFAS exposure and certain health conditions. Legal and scientific standards for proving a causal link vary, but reported conditions have included:

• High cholesterol
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Ulcerative colitis

If you believe PFAS‑contaminated water harmed you, an attorney can help review whether any legal options might exist. These claims depend on developing evidence and legal standards. Possible damages include medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses based on your case details.

Disclaimer: Past outcomes don’t predict future results. Each case is different.

Property Damage Claims

Water contamination can ruin property values, corrode plumbing systems, make land unusable, and more. When this happens, homeowners and businesses can sometimes take legal action.

Common property damage claims include:

• Toxic water lowers home values
• Polluted groundwater harming farmland
• Damage to plumbing systems from corrosive contaminants

Landowners and others may face legal claims if evidence connects contamination to negligence or regulatory violations.

Class Action Lawsuits

When entire groups, such as neighborhoods, deal with contaminated water, filing individual lawsuits may not be practical. A class action allows multiple victims with similar claims to file a lawsuit against the same defendant as a group. However, courts must first evaluate whether the case meets specific legal criteria for class certification, such as common legal issues and sufficient representation. If class certification is not granted, individual lawsuits may be required.

Hypothetical examples of class action cases include:

• Large-scale PFAS contamination from factories
• Lead exposure is impacting a whole water system
• Large-scale illnesses from bacteria or industrial waste leaks

In 2024, plaintiffs filed a proposed class action lawsuit against 3M, Chemours, and Cortev, alleging that PFAS in carpets contributed to water contamination. The allegations referenced are part of ongoing litigation and have not been proven in court.

Identifying The Responsible Party

Water contamination can sometimes be traced to human actions, regulatory violations, or other responsible factors. Typically, someone is responsible for ensuring water is both safe and clean. If contamination occurs, it may result from failure to follow regulations, negligence, or other contributing factors. Some parties that may commonly bear responsibility include:

• Water companies
• Local governments
• Product companies
• Landlords

Can You Sue the Water Company for Contaminated Water?

In some cases, it may be possible to bring a claim against a water company, depending on factors like evidence, law, and jurisdiction. Whether a company can be held liable depends on factors such as evidence that the company failed to address known risks, violated safety regulations, or neglected to fix contamination issues, resulting in harm.

Can You Sue a City for Contaminated Water?

In some cases, it may be possible to bring a claim against a city, depending on factors like evidence, law, and jurisdiction. Sovereign immunity and other legal defenses can limit or bar certain claims. Liability depends on factors such as regulatory violations, negligence, and exceptions to government immunity laws.

Can I Sue My Landlord for Contaminated Water?

In some cases, it may be possible to bring a claim against a landlord, depending on factors like evidence, law, and jurisdiction. One situation is if the landlord is aware of contaminated water issues and does not fix them. For example, they could be held liable if they ignore tenant complaints. Failure to address known water problems or not meeting health standards may support a legal claim, depending on the circumstances. Any harm caused may lead to responsibility.

Proving Your Case: Evidence & Legal Requirements

To succeed in a contaminated water lawsuit, a claimant generally must prove three things:

• The water was unsafe
• Harm was caused
• A responsible party was at fault

Evidence like water tests, medical records, and expert analysis can support your claim.

How to Prove Contaminated Water Caused Your Illness

If you suspect contaminated water made you sick, you’ll need evidence to support your claim. This usually includes medical records, lab reports, and water quality tests that link your condition to exposure.

Medical Documentation & Diagnosis

Medical records may help support a connection between your condition and contaminated water. A medical diagnosis can strengthen your claim. It documents health conditions that may be caused by water contamination.

Doctors can also diagnose bacterial infections linked to diseases from contaminated water. A written medical opinion connecting your illness to unsafe water can be key evidence in a lawsuit.

However, scientific evidence and expert testimony must also establish legal causation.

Water Testing & Contamination Reports

Showing definitive water contamination is as vital as proving illness. Even if the water appears safe, harmful toxins may be present.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a health advisory limit for PFAS (PFOA & PFOS) at 70 parts per trillion. If your water exceeds this level, it could be dangerous. You can read more about these limits directly from the EPA’s official PFAS Technical Fact Sheet.

If you suspect contamination, consider getting your water tested. Certified lab results showing increased levels of toxins may be supporting evidence in legal claims. However, you usually need even more proof than that. Medical records and expert analysis are crucial for establishing liability and determining damages.

Common Contaminants That Lead to Lawsuits

Many substances can pollute drinking water, but some are especially dangerous. Due to their long-term health effects, these contaminants have been the focus of many lawsuits.

Lead Poisoning from Drinking Water

Lead in drinking water is hazardous, and young children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable. Long-term exposure can also increase the risk of heart and kidney problems in adults. Long-term exposure can lead to:

• Cognitive and developmental issues in children
• Heart and kidney problems
• Neurological disorders

The Flint water crisis is widely cited in media and legal sources as an example of alleged lead contamination. Officials changed the city’s water source but did not treat it appropriately. This was followed by widespread lead exposure and an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, which was the subject of lawsuits alleging the contamination caused it.

Studies have reported associations between the Flint crisis and serious health problems. More details can be found in this study.

If your home is older, consider testing your water for lead.

Bacterial Contamination

Bacteria in drinking water can make you very sick. Symptoms often include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and dehydration. Some of the most common waterborne bacteria include:

• E. coli – This can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps, and kidney failure in severe cases.
• Legionella – This causes Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung infection spread through contaminated water systems. (For more information on Legionnaires from water contamination, see the study on the Flint water crisis above.)
• Salmonella – Can be found in untreated or poorly maintained water supplies.

Bacterial contamination often occurs when sewage leaks or water treatment systems fail. It can also happen when old plumbing allows harmful microbes into the water supply.

Chemical Exposure (PFAS, PFOA, Industrial Toxins, etc.)

PFAS chemicals are some of the most persistent and dangerous contaminants in water. Since the 1940s, these substances have appeared in many products. You can find them in nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, and stain-resistant fabrics.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” This is because they don’t break down easily in the environment. Instead, they accumulate in water, soil, and human bodies over time. Research on PFAS exposure is ongoing. Some studies have reported associations with certain health conditions, though legal and scientific standards for proving causation vary by case, including:

• Kidney and testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• High cholesterol
• Liver damage

Learn more about PFAS contamination and its long-term effects here.

Compensation: What Is Your Case Worth?

If your water was contaminated and led to harm, you may be eligible to explore legal options. Case outcomes vary by individual circumstances.

Compensation amounts depend on how badly you were affected, what medical costs you’ve faced, and what legal actions have been taken in similar cases.

Many claimants have pursued damages for:

• Medical expenses (past and future treatments)
• Lost wages if illness prevented them from working
• Property damage (example: home value loss due to contamination)
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress

Some contaminated water cases have ended in settlements, but outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.

Settlement Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.

What Compensation Might Be Available in a Contaminated Water Case?

Compensation for contaminated water cases varies. Some large-scale cases have led to significant settlements, but results depend on individual case factors.

For example, the Flint, Michigan, water crisis involved widespread concerns about lead-contaminated drinking water, leading to a proposed $600 million settlement.

Disclaimer: Our firm didn’t handle this case. This info is for reference only. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

Steps to Take If Your Water Is Contaminated

If you suspect your water is unsafe, act quickly to protect your health and document potential contamination.

What Can You Do If Your Water Is Contaminated?

Recognizing contamination signs and taking appropriate steps may help address potential risks.

Getting Your Water Tested

Water contamination isn’t always visible. However, signs like cloudiness, a sulfur smell, or a metallic taste can signal a problem. You can learn more about common signs of contamination here.

Testing is essential to confirm water contamination. Test strips, color disk kits, and hand-held digital instruments may help identify harmful substances in water. Learn more about testing the water here.

Notifying Health Departments & Authorities

If your water test confirms contamination, report it to local health departments, the EPA, or the CDC. Public drinking water systems must comply with federal safety regulations. Reporting unsafe water may trigger investigations and corrective actions.

Seeking Legal Help & Filing a Claim

If exposure has led to illness or property damage, consulting a water contamination lawyer may be necessary. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and pursue compensation from responsible parties.

Major Past Contaminated Water Lawsuits

Water contamination cases have led to lawsuits across the U.S. Plaintiffs have brought claims against governments, corporations, and landlords over alleged failures to provide clean water.

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Lawsuits

Between 1953 and 1987, drinking water at Camp Lejeune was found to contain toxic chemicals. Some studies suggest potential links between exposure and health conditions such as:

• Cancers
• Leukemia
• Anemia
• Birth defects

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 allows those affected to seek further legal compensation.

For more details on the health effects and legal rights, click here.

Disclaimer: Our firm didn’t handle this case. This info is for reference only. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

Flint, Michigan Water Crisis Lawsuits

If you’ve heard of Flint, Michigan, you might know it for all the wrong reasons. What happened? There was a disaster, which many believed could have been prevented, prompting lawsuits and public outrage.

In 2014, officials changed Flint’s water source to reduce costs, but lawsuits later alleged the new supply was not properly treated. Residents began noticing strange smells, discoloration, and odd tastes in their tap water. After growing health concerns and government testing, officials confirmed elevated lead levels in the water supply.

Lawsuits were filed following the Flint water crisis, and a $600 million settlement was proposed to resolve claims. As with any injury-related case, no money can reverse the damage already done.

Disclaimer: Our firm didn’t handle this case. This info is for reference only. Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

PFAS and “Forever Chemicals” Litigation

Most people don’t think about what’s in their nonstick pans, water-resistant jackets, or stain-proof carpets… but maybe they should. Those products contain PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals.” They are called this because they can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down.

PFAS can remain in the environment long-term and may accumulate in the body. Research has linked exposure to conditions like cancer, liver damage, and thyroid disease.

As public awareness increases, additional lawsuits continue to be filed. Each case depends on unique facts and legal arguments. Some people who lived near suspected PFAS contamination sites have filed lawsuits against manufacturers. These claims allege harm from exposure, but liability has not been established in court.

More PFAS-related lawsuits may be filed as additional contamination sites are identified.

Military Bases

Some of the worst PFAS contamination sites in the country are on or near U.S. military bases.

Why? One reason is firefighting foam. For decades, the military used PFAS-laden foam to extinguish fires during training drills. The issue? That foam seeped into the ground, contaminating local water supplies. Some people who lived or worked near these bases have reported health issues. Legal claims have alleged, but not proven, a link between PFAS exposure and conditions such as cancer or kidney disease.

Some service members, veterans, and families have been affected by contamination on military bases. As a result, many have pursued legal claims related to that exposure. The outcome of these claims depends on case-specific factors, including:

• Evidence
• Legal arguments
• Applicable laws

Some military bases where contaminated water has been documented include:

• Fort Ord
• Camp Pendleton
• Cherry Point
• Fort Bragg
• Wurtsmith Air Force Base
• Fort Dix
• Fort Jackson
• George Air Force Base
• Fort Detrick
• Fort Benning

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Contaminated Water Lawsuit?

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If PFAS-contaminated water on a military base has affected your health, property, or a loved one, help may be available. Speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Understanding your rights and options is the first step toward action.

Consulting an attorney can help you assess potential legal options. Request a free case evaluation to learn more.