WINDER LAW FIRM
Fort Benning Water Contamination Lawsuit
Testing has found potentially dangerous chemicals in the water at Fort Benning, including PFAS and lead. Some individuals who lived or worked there have reported severe health problems. Research is ongoing to evaluate possible risks.
Reports have confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals in Fort Benning’s water. Lead was also found at hazardous levels on the base. Lawsuits allege that the responsible parties failed to prevent exposure to the contamination and didn’t warn those at risk.
If you lived or worked at or near Fort Benning and were later diagnosed with certain health issues, you may be eligible to pursue a legal claim. Each case is reviewed individually.
If you or a loved one were exposed, then developed a related illness, you may have legal options. You can request a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.
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Overview of the Fort Benning Water Contamination Issue
Key Takeaways
- Studies have found PFAS in Fort Benning’s water supply. Relevant officials continue to evaluate potential risks.
- Some studies have associated the hazardous substances found on base with various cancers and other illnesses. Research is ongoing.
- Contamination may have posed a risk to military families, veterans, and civilians who lived on or near the base during the exposure period.
- Some individuals may be eligible to have their case evaluated for potential legal action. Any compensation would depend on the unique facts of the case.
To better understand the issue at Fort Benning, let’s look at the history of the contamination. Then, let’s examine how it happened and what’s been done about it.
What Happened at Fort Benning?
Fort Benning (briefly named Fort Moore from 2023 to 2025) is an army base in the Columbus, Georgia, area.
The base’s initial purpose was as a training camp for infantry and tank units. Later, it also became a training center for Army Rangers, airborne units, and military dogs.
The military historically used Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighting foam, to put out fires on base. Constant training exercises were a significant source of fires, and using AFFF was standard practice in the past.
Unfortunately, AFFF is known to contain PFAS chemicals, and some reports suggest these may have contributed to water contamination on base.
Is Fort Benning a Superfund Site?
Fort Benning has a Superfund Site Profile but was never added to the National Priorities List (NPL).
Addressing Water Contamination with Technology
There is an ongoing effort to clean up the water contamination at Fort Benning.
In 2023, engineering firm Freese and Nichols announced a partnership with Columbus Water Works (CWW). Their project is to evaluate the PFAS treatment technologies for Fort Benning’s drinking water.
The project is in Phase 1 of a multi-phase plan to test and eventually implement PFAS treatment systems. A large-scale pilot study is being conducted at Fort Moore, evaluating 6 technology types, 9 process streams, and 18 sampling locations. Some of the technologies under review include:
- Activated carbon
- Ion exchange
- Reverse osmosis
PFAS Exposure and Lead Found at Fort Benning
Now, let’s examine PFAS chemicals in more detail. We can also review some evidence of lead contamination at Fort Benning, which makes the contamination profile of the base even more severe.
What Exactly Are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals. They are primarily used in manufacturing, consumer goods, firefighting, and the military.
PFAS is an abbreviation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
There are several different types of PFAS; some of the most commonly discussed are:
- PFOA
- PFOS
- PFNA
There are over 15,000 PFAS chemicals.
So, why are PFAS so dangerous?
Because of 2 specific reasons.
- PFAS exposure has been associated with increased risk of cancer and other illnesses in some studies.
- PFAS chemicals don’t break down easily in nature or the human body. They can actually persist for thousands of years and are therefore nicknamed the “forever chemicals.”
PFAS has been referred to as “the ‘lead’ of our time” due to its widespread presence and potential health effects. This comparison was made by the Massachusetts Medical Society in the context of public health advocacy.
High Levels of PFOS & PFOA Recently Detected
Testing has revealed PFAS levels at Fort Benning that exceed the EPA’s enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Here’s some data to show the extent of the contamination:
- According to a 2022 report, testing at the Old Fire Station (Building 2452) on Fort Benning found extremely high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in the groundwater. One sample showed PFOS at 13,000 parts per trillion (ppt) and another at 6,300 ppt. For PFOA, the levels were 1,200 ppt and 210 ppt, all far above the EPA’s current safety limit of just 4 ppt.
- As of November 2024, drinking water tested at 9.2 ppt for PFOA and PFOS.
- According to the US Army Environmental Command, the next testing event will occur in December 2027.
- It’s also important to note that the Army now purchases privatized drinking water for Fort Benning.
A Risk to Service Members & Base Residents
Concerns about PFAS contamination have been raised at many military bases, not just Fort Benning.
As of the end of 2024, the Department of Defense identified 723 military installations under PFAS investigation. Of those, 581 are proceeding with formal cleanup actions under the CERCLA process.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a map of all the locations contaminated or likely contaminated with PFAS.
This problem has become so widespread that the Department of Veterans Affairs (The VA) recognizes it as a serious concern for military personnel.
Lead Contamination from Military Housing
In addition to the PFAS contamination, there are issues with other contaminants found at Fort Benning.
Another serious contamination problem for the base is lead.
Testing Report of Homes
In 2018, Reuters published a report claiming that five homes at Fort Benning had been tested. All five contained hazardous amounts of deteriorating lead paint. The levels were so toxic in one of the homes that it was 58 times higher than what the federal government considered safe.
Children Exposed to Lead
Over a six-year period, 31 children who had lived on base tested high for lead.
Have you experienced any of the symptoms above?
Let’s discuss your legal options in a free case review. 
Health Risks from Contaminated Water at Fort Benning
Now, let’s review the health risks to individuals due to the contamination at Fort Benning.
Health Issues That May Support a Legal Claim
Winder Law Firm is collecting inquiries from individuals diagnosed with these conditions, which have been associated with PFAS in scientific studies. Inquiries are shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement for case review. Free consultations are available.
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Disease
- Thyroid Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
You can request a free legal consultation here to learn more about possible legal options.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor about any health concerns.
Cancers and Diseases Associated with PFAS in Studies
Below are additional conditions that have been explored in scientific studies evaluating potential links to PFAS exposure:
- Bladder Cancer
- Leukemia
- Male Breast Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
- Immune System Suppression (e.g., reduced vaccine effectiveness)
- High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
- Hypertension During Pregnancy (also known as preeclampsia)
- Low Birth Weight in Infants
- Delayed Puberty / Hormonal Imbalances
- Decreased Fertility / Reproductive Issues
- Respiratory Irritation
- Autoimmune Conditions
- Neurodevelopmental Delays in Children
Most At-Risk Groups
People who lived, worked, or served on or near the base during the contamination period may have been at risk. This may include:
- Service members, especially firefighters
- Families of service members
- Civilian base workers
- Residents and workers in nearby communities
Women and children are some of the most vulnerable groups to waterborne toxins. According to the EPA, this is because pregnant and lactating women usually drink more water than the average person. Due to this, they may have higher PFAS exposure when it’s present in their drinking water.
Fort Benning PFAS Lawsuit Eligibility
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.
Let’s review the type of individual who may qualify for a Fort Benning PFAS lawsuit. Then let’s take a look at what kind of evidence can help with your claim.
Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?
People who might qualify for a Fort Benning lawsuit include:
- Military service members
- Family members of service members
- Civilian workers on the base
- Residents and workers in the surrounding communities
Then these two conditions must be met:
- Individuals filing lawsuits must show they were present on or near the base during the period of contamination. For reference, firefighting foam was used by the military from the 1970s and was required to be phased out by 2024. However, waivers may allow continued use at some sites until 2026.
- Next, individuals filing claims should have a qualifying health condition. (Jump to the list)
Proof You’ll Need to Strengthen Your Claim
- Provide documentation that shows time spent on or near the base during the contamination.
- Medical documents proving a diagnosis of a condition listed above associated with PFAS exposure. (Jump to list)
- Other possible evidence to provide: Exposure notices, results from water tests, and testimony from qualified specialists.
How to File a Fort Benning Water Contamination Lawsuit
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.
Here is a rough description of the process to file a Fort Benning water contamination lawsuit.
Step-by-Step Legal Process
Here’s a rough outline of the steps an impacted individual can take to file a lawsuit:
- Get in touch with a lawyer.
- Collect the relevant documentation and evidence.
- The attorney files the claim.
Working with a Fort Benning Water Contamination Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer to assist with the claim is something that qualified individuals will have to decide for themselves. A few of the things a lawyer might help with are:
- To confirm that your documentation is complete and ready to file the lawsuit
- To make sure you hit deadlines
Note: You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim, but legal guidance can help you understand your rights and options.
Settlement Amounts & Potential Compensation
There are no set compensation amounts for Fort Benning water contamination claims. Any potential payout would depend entirely on the facts of your case, including your medical history, documentation, and evidence of exposure.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. All cases are unique, and compensation, if awarded, depends on individual circumstances.
Average Settlement Range for Fort Benning Cases
There is currently no set amount of compensation that victims can expect from a Fort Benning water contamination lawsuit. Every individual case is subject to its own unique factors, and the contamination investigation is still ongoing.
Factors That May Impact Payouts
Many factors can possibly impact the compensation amount, if awarded, that an individual could receive in a PFAS-related case. These may include:
- Severity and type of diagnosed medical condition
- Financial losses related to treatment, income, or care
- Impact on family relationships and support (loss of consortium)
- Emotional and psychological suffering
- Long-term impairments or disabilities caused by the illness
- How long and how intensely the individual was exposed
- The quality and amount of evidence linking the disease to contamination
Get a Free Legal Consultation
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.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a qualifying condition after living or working at Fort Benning?
To learn more about your legal options, request a free case evaluation today.
Are you having symptoms after spending time at Fort Benning?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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The content on this page has been reviewed for legal accuracy by Attorney Aaron A. Winder. This content is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Winder Law Firm does not guarantee this website content’s accuracy, completeness, or relevance. This website may contain inaccuracies, typographical errors, or outdated information and does not necessarily reflect the firm’s or its employees’ opinions. Consult an attorney for legal guidance.
Legally Reviewed
The content on this page has been reviewed for legal accuracy by Attorney Aaron A. Winder. This content is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Winder Law Firm does not guarantee this website content’s accuracy, completeness, or relevance. This website may contain inaccuracies, typographical errors, or outdated information and does not necessarily reflect the firm’s or its employees’ opinions. Consult an attorney for legal guidance.
Award Methodology
The CALI Excellence for the Future Award® is given to the highest-scoring student in a law school course, as determined by the instructor or registrar. This award recognizes academic excellence in legal education and is granted by the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI), a nonprofit consortium of law schools and organizations.
Attorney Aaron A. Winder, owner of Winder Law Firm, received this award in Advanced Criminal Procedure while studying at Gonzaga University School of Law.
More information about the CALI Excellence for the Future Award® can be found at CALI’s website.
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.