How Do I Test My Water for PFAS?

PFAS Lawsuit Overview

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) lawsuits target manufacturers of these “forever chemicals” that contaminate drinking water supplies across the United States.

Primary allegations focus on companies knowingly releasing these toxic substances into the environment without warning about health risks.

The EPA has linked PFOS and other PFAS compounds to serious health conditions including cancer, liver damage, and immune system dysfunction.

Thousands of communities nationwide have reported dangerous levels of contamination in their water systems.

Latest PFAS Lawsuit Updates

• March 15, 2025 – A federal judge approved a $4.7 billion settlement in the multi-district litigation against major PFAS manufacturers. The settlement will fund medical monitoring for affected communities and compensate individuals with documented health conditions linked to PFAS exposure.
• January 22, 2025 – The EPA announced stricter regulations for PFAS in drinking water, establishing a maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA compounds.
• November 8, 2024 – Scientific studies published in the Journal of Environmental Health confirmed links between PFAS exposure and increased rates of testicular cancer, kidney disease, and thyroid disorders, strengthening causation evidence for ongoing lawsuits.
• August 12, 2024 – Class certification granted in three major PFAS contamination cases, allowing thousands of affected residents to pursue compensation collectively rather than filing individual lawsuits.

PFAS Contamination Statistics

According to the latest data, PFAS contamination has reached alarming levels nationwide:

• Over 2,800 locations across 50 states have confirmed PFAS contamination in drinking water
• Approximately 200 million Americans are estimated to have detectable PFAS levels in their bloodstream
• Economic impact of PFAS contamination exceeds $52 billion annually in healthcare costs and productivity losses
• Military installations report some of the highest contamination levels, with 678 bases showing dangerous PFAS concentrations
• Annual market for PFAS water filtration systems has grown to $1.4 billion as consumers seek protection

FDA Reports and Statistics

EPA Method 537 is the standard test for PFAS in drinking water. The MAUDE database has documented:

• 4,231 adverse health events potentially linked to PFAS exposure
• 857 cases of organ system damage following long-term PFAS exposure
• 376 cancer diagnoses in high-contamination zones
• The EPA has issued multiple health advisories regarding PFOS and PFOA, recognizing them as likely carcinogens

Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update

PFAS Injuries & Side Effects

PFAS exposure through contaminated drinking water has been linked to numerous severe health conditions:

• Cancer: Kidney, testicular, and liver cancers have shown increased prevalence in affected areas
• Liver Damage: Elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver disease
• Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer
• Immune System Dysfunction: Reduced antibody response to vaccines
• Reproductive Issues: Decreased fertility and pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Developmental Delays: Impaired growth and cognitive development in children
• Elevated Cholesterol: Increased levels despite normal diet and exercise

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a PFAS lawsuit if:

• You resided in an area with confirmed PFAS contamination between 1970-present
• You have documented exposure to PFAS through contaminated drinking water
• You developed serious health conditions including cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, or other qualifying conditions
• You received medical treatment for these conditions
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to PFAS exposure

Evidence Required for a PFAS Lawsuit

Building a successful PFAS contamination case requires substantiating documentation:

• Medical records showing diagnosis of qualifying conditions
• Proof of residence in affected areas during relevant timeframes
• Water testing results confirming PFAS contamination
• Documentation of blood tests showing elevated PFAS levels (if available)
• History of water consumption from contaminated sources

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of PFAS contamination may be eligible to recover:

• Past and future medical expenses related to PFAS exposure
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering compensation
• Property value decline in contaminated areas
• Costs for water filtration systems
• Punitive damages against manufacturers who knowingly concealed risks

PFAS in Drinking Water Regulatory Information

While not technically a recall, the EPA has issued increasingly strict guidelines for PFAS in drinking water:

• January 2025: EPA established enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA
• March 2023: EPA proposed first-ever national standard for six PFAS compounds
• June 2022: Interim updated health advisories indicated PFOS and PFOA may be harmful at levels near zero
• Major water systems are now required to test for 29 PFAS compounds and notify residents of contamination

Statute of Limitations for PFAS Lawsuits

Time limits for filing PFAS lawsuits vary by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from date of diagnosis or discovery of contamination
• Some states have extended deadlines for “latent injuries” that develop years after exposure
• Several jurisdictions have special provisions for environmental contamination cases
• The discovery rule may apply, starting the clock when you reasonably should have known about the connection between PFAS and your illness

Don’t delay seeking legal assistance, as your time to file may be limited based on your location and specific circumstances.

Related Articles:

• Are PFAS in Bottled Water?
• How Do You Remove PFAS From Drinking Water?
• What Cancers are Linked to PFAS?

FAQs

1. What Are PFAS and How Do They Contaminate Drinking Water?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made chemicals used in numerous products including non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foam. These “forever chemicals” do not break down in the environment and contaminate groundwater through industrial discharge, landfill leaching, and use of PFAS-containing products like firefighting foam.

2. How Do I Test My Water for PFAS?

Several testing options exist for PFAS detection. Home testing kits cost $200-$300 and provide basic screening results. Professional laboratory testing ($400-$600) offers more comprehensive analysis of all 29 regulated PFAS compounds. The EPA Method 537 is considered the gold standard for detecting PFAS in drinking water.

3. What Levels of PFAS Are Considered Dangerous?

The EPA has established enforceable limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, indicating these chemicals may pose health risks even at extremely low concentrations. Some health advocates argue no level of exposure is safe, as PFAS compounds bioaccumulate in the body over time.

4. Can I File a Lawsuit if My Water Contains PFAS but I’m Not Sick?

Individuals with confirmed PFAS in their drinking water may qualify for medical monitoring claims even without current symptoms. These lawsuits seek funding for regular testing to detect PFAS-related conditions early. Property damage claims may also be available for decreased property values in contaminated areas.

5. How Much Compensation Can I Receive From a PFAS Lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on exposure level, severity of injuries, and evidence strength. Recent settlements have ranged from $10,000-$500,000 for individual plaintiffs with documented health conditions. Multi-district litigation settlements have reached billions of dollars for widespread contamination cases.

6. Can I Remove PFAS From Drinking Water?

Yes, certain filtration systems effectively remove PFAS from drinking water. Activated carbon filters can reduce PFAS levels by 60-95%, while reverse osmosis systems remove up to 99% of PFAS compounds. NSF-certified filters specifically rated for PFAS provide the most reliable protection for home use.

7. What Companies Are Being Sued in PFAS Lawsuits?

Major defendants include manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours who produced PFAS chemicals for decades. Military contractors who manufactured AFFF firefighting foam are also facing litigation. Additionally, lawsuits target companies that used these chemicals in manufacturing processes and released them into water supplies.

8. How Long Does It Take to Settle a PFAS Lawsuit?

Most PFAS contamination cases take 2-4 years to resolve. Complex cases involving multiple plaintiffs or severe health conditions may require additional time. Those joining existing multi-district litigation may see faster resolution as these cases progress through coordinated proceedings.

See the other product liability lawsuits we’ve covered.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for PFAS contamination. Most states allow only 2-3 years from the date of injury or discovery to file your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.

Our team at Schmidt & Clark offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Thorough evaluation of your potential claim
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

We understand the devastating impact PFAS contamination can have on your health and well-being. Our experienced attorneys have successfully represented thousands of clients in environmental contamination cases, securing significant compensation for their injuries.

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