Chico Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Chico Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Since the early 1980s, Chico, California been known for contaminated groundwater that shut down wells, impacted drinking water throughout the region and lead to an array of health concerns. More recently, Chico residents are filing water contamination lawsuits due to the serious health risks they’re facing from exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs).

PFAs can cause an array of health conditions, including cancer, compromised immune systems, fertility issues, liver and kidney damage, thyroid disease and more.

Chico, California Water Contamination Overview

Chico, California has a rich history dated back to the early 1800s as a stopping ground for travelers working their way through the Sacramento Valley. Later, the town played a major role in the gold rush of the mid-1800s. The first water crisis the town experienced occurred in 1984, when the California Water Service (CWS) discovered perchloroethylene (PCE), a toxic, colorless dry-cleaning fluid, in the groundwater.  

In 2013, CWS started testing for PFAs as part of the federal government’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Program. Despite the fact that tap water within Chico has been determined to be in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards, lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers from those seeking compensation from the long-term effects caused by exposure to Chico’s contaminated water.

Chico, California Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

Chico water continues to be a major concern. The EPA set enforceable limits for PFAs, and thousands of individuals across the United States have been filing PFAS lawsuits after consuming drinking water contaminated with forever chemicals. Consuming this water led to residents developing liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis. 

If you’ve been exposed to toxic water for at least six months and developed one of the previously mentioned health conditions, contact King Law today to confirm your eligibility and discuss your legal options. We are dedicated to supporting individuals in Chico, California affected by toxic drinking water.

About Chico, California Water Contamination:

History of Water Contamination in Chico, California

Learn more about the history of Chico water contamination: 

• 2024: A series of water infrastructure upgrades begin in Chico to improve reliability of the water supply in Chico and help protect water quality.
• 2021: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that although tap water in the Chico water utility was in compliance with federal health based drinking water standards, 40 total contaminants were found, 9 of which exceeded EWG Health Guidelines. 
• 2020: CalMatters released an analysis of state data that revealed 15% of drinking water wells tested in the state of California, including several in Chico, exceeded the federal advisories for the limit of PFAs allowed.
• 2019: A groundwater sampling project began following the Camp Fire wildfire of 2018 to analyze for contaminants like mercury, fluorine, pesticides and more.
• 1984: California Water Service (CWS) discovered a dangerous chemical used in dry-cleaning operations in the city’s groundwater. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) warns that the toxins could persist for several decades.

Sources of Water Contamination in Chico, California

Some key sources of water contamination in Chico, CA include:

Septic and sewer systems: Sewers have been a main source of water contamination in Chico due to dry cleaning businesses disposing PCE in the city’s sewers, nitrate contamination from septic systems and sewer collection systems that contaminate water sources throughout the city. 

Military activity: Military bases across the state of California have a long history of using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that contains PFAS. The foam can seep into the soil and the groundwater, which can then affect the communities utilizing groundwater for drinking water. 

Natural resources: Disturbances of natural resources like erosion, historical volcanic activity, mining, and others have put toxins into Chico’s drinking water. Arsenic, which is found naturally occurring in soil and bedrock, continues to be one of the largest concerns, entering groundwater and drinking water for residents throughout the state.

Chico, California Water Contamination Map

Our Chico water contamination map shows areas where PFAS has been detected as well as areas where levels have exceeded safety standards. There are 55 active drinking water wells in Chico, four of which already have special filters on site due to previous contaminants. Keep in mind that PFAS and other toxins can migrate through groundwater and soil, impacting nearby communities. 

Contaminants Found in Chico, California Drinking Water

Chico’s drinking water has tested positive for numerous contaminants, including arsenic, PFAS, and more, raising significant public health concerns. The presence of these harmful substances in the water supply poses a heightened risk of various diseases for residents, including many different types of cancer. 

Arsenic

Arsenic has been detected above health guidelines in Chico drinking water. It appears naturally in soil and bedrock, but commercial activities like apple orchard spraying can also allow arsenic to enter drinking water.

Arsenic in drinking water can lead to serious health complications, like different types of cancer such as lung cancer and bladder cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pulmonary disease. Exposure may also lead to adverse outcomes in pregnancy and infant mortality. 

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

PFAS, also referred to as “forever chemicals,” are persistent in the environment and the human body. Health risks associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Increased cancer risk, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, and testicular cancer 
• Liver damage
• Pregnancy and reproductive complications
• Immune system suppression
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis. 

PFAS levels have been prevalent in Chico water. For example, PFOS tested 3.7 times above the EWG guideline, PFHxS tested 2.5 times higher than the EWG health guideline, and PFOA tested 81 times above the guideline. 

Chromium

Chromium, a carcinogen known to contaminate drinking water throughout the country, was found at 99 times above EWG’s Health Guideline in Chico groundwater. Chromium in drinking water may be caused by industrial pollution or occur naturally in mineral deposits. Health concerns include cancer, liver issues and harm to the reproductive system.

Nitrate

Chico drinking water contains nitrate at 19 times above EWG’s Health Guideline. Nitrate is a fertilizer chemical that often contaminates drinking water due to agricultural and urban runoff. Municipal wastewater treatment plans and septic tanks may also discharge nitrate into drinking water. Nitrate has been linked to cancer and can harm fetal growth and development in children.

Other Contaminants

Additional contaminants found in Chico drinking water. Include tetrachloroethylene, a colorless organic liquid with a mild, chloroform odor that can lead to liver problems and cancer, and 

Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), which cause an increased risk of bladder, colon, and rectal cancer, liver and kidney damage, and reproductive and developmental toxicity.

Current Water Quality in Chico, California

Chico’s water quality is currently in compliance with the EPA’s health-based drinking water standards. However, there are still some concerns about contamination due to PFAS, with many of them exceeding the EWG’s Health Guideline.

Water Treatment Efforts at Chico, California

The city of Chico has operated water treatment plants with strict discharge requirements. The plant is tested daily to ensure state standards for quality are being met to help ensure safe drinking water for all residents. 

The city has also implemented a pretreatment program known as the Chico Industrial Pretreatment Program (CIPP). This program helps protect public health by maintaining water quality, controlling wastewater discharges from local businesses and industry that could potentially contaminate the drinking water.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water at Chico, California

Contaminants found in Chico’s drinking water have been associated with a wide range of severe health issues. Prolonged exposure to PFAS, arsenic, and other hazardous substances can significantly increase the risk of various cancers and serious health conditions, including: 

• Liver cancer
• Skin cancer
• Lung cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Weakened immune system
• Breast cancer
• Developmental effects
• Thyroid disease
• Other chronic conditions

Regular health check-ups and screenings are essential in reducing the risk and managing these serious conditions. If you’re experiencing any symptoms, reach out to a health provider immediately.

Eligibility Criteria for the Chico Water Contamination Lawsuit

Individuals diagnosed with a serious condition could be eligible for compensation to help with treatment costs and medical bills through a PFAS lawsuit.

To be eligible for a Chico water contamination lawsuit, individuals must meet specific criteria. Key qualifications include:

• Individuals must have been exposed to contaminated water while living or working within the municipality for at least six months during the identified contamination period.
• Diagnosis of health issues such as certain cancers (such as lung, bladder, kidney, liver, thyroid, testicular, prostate, and breast cancer) or other conditions like thyroid disease.
• Must provide the necessary documentation, including medical records proving diagnoses and proof of residence or employment during the contamination period.

Compensation eligibility is highly determined by these factors. They build a strong legal claim and solidify the chance for compensation eligibility. Specialized attorneys, like those at King Law, can provide a consultation to ensure the legal process is effectively navigated.

Chico Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Potential settlement amounts for Chico water contamination lawsuits are based on several key factors, such as the extent and duration of contaminant exposure. Longer exposure periods due to living or working in the municipality may lead to a higher settlement. Diagnoses of cancer or chronic illnesses directly linked to these contaminants will also play a large role when properly documented. 

Previously, water contamination lawsuits have been settled within a range of $100,000 to $300,000. Certain health conditions may lead to settlements exceeding $300,000, with minor conditions or those without proper documentation that proves the connection to the city’s drinking water resulting in settlements between $30,000 to $75,000. In extreme cases, settlements might near or exceed one million dollars. However, most settlements are generally lower than potential trial verdicts, balancing the higher potential rewards against the risk of receiving nothing at trial. Individuals impacted by water contamination in Chico should consult with legal experts to understand their legal options and opportunity for compensation.

How to File a Chico Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit for water contamination in Chico, California involves a detailed and structured process, requiring specific documentation and adherence to local legal considerations. Navigate this complex legal journey by taking the following steps:

1. Gather necessary documentation: Collect all necessary documentation to support your claim. This includes medical records, proof of residence or employment, environmental studies, and more. 
2. Consult with an attorney: A specialized attorney experienced in environmental law, water contamination cases and California’s legal system can help assess the viability of your claim and provide an overview of the process. You will learn how to file a formal complaint in court while following all legal procedures correctly.
3. California law navigation: California’s statute of limitations involves adhering to unique legal guidelines, which typically requires lawsuits to be filed within two years of discovering the harm. California’s Proposition 65 regulations also require warnings about significant chemical exposures that may cause cancer or reproductive harm, which could impact your case.

King Law understands the complexities involved with California law, the local environmental regulations, the state’s statute of limitations, and both municipal and state-level contamination impacts. We can help you navigate the unique considerations for Chico water contamination lawsuits.

Evidence to Support Your Chico Water Contamination Claim

Having strong evidence to substantiate claims in Chico, California water contamination cases helps support the claim’s validity. Improve your chances of getting fair compensation by providing the following documentation:

• Medical documentation: Include records from your doctor of diagnoses, treatments, and health conditions linked to contaminated drinking water. This can also include receipts for expenses related to medical treatment received for the exposure.
• Proof of residence or employment: Provide utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records proving residence or employment in the affected area during the contamination period.
• Environmental studies: Find reports and studies detailing the contamination levels in Chico’s drinking water.
• Expert testimonies: Obtain statements from medical and environmental professionals who can confirm health conditions were related to the exposure.
• Personal statements: Written accounts of exposure, health issues, and the impact on daily life.
• Witness accounts: Discover if others in the community have been adversely affected by contaminated drinking water that resulted in serious health conditions, and present their testimonies.

Providing this comprehensive information can help build your case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Statute of Limitations for Chico Water Contamination Claims

In the state of California, victims must file their lawsuit within a specific timeframe to qualify for compensation. It’s crucial to understanding the statute of limitations when seeking compensation in Chico water contamination lawsuits. The statute of limitations in California for personal injury claims, including those related to toxic exposure, is generally two years from the date of diagnosis. 

As soon as possible, consult with an attorney who specializes in environmental or personal injury law to avoid losing eligibility. An early consultation with an attorney will ensure all the necessary steps are being taken before the filing deadline, giving you time to build and strengthen your case by gathering the necessary evidence.

Chico, California Water Contamination Lawyers

King Law specializes in water contamination lawsuits in Chico, California, particularly those involving PFAS and other dangerous chemicals in local water supplies. We have a comprehensive understanding of environmental law, and our team is well-equipped to handle the complexities involved with toxic exposure cases. We support you through each step of the process, from evaluating your claim validity to gathering essential documents and offering strong legal representation in court. We understand how water contamination can impact your health and quality of life, and we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been impacted by water contamination in Chico, having skilled legal representation by your side can be crucial in achieving justice and obtaining the compensation you need. At King Law, we are committed to guiding our clients through this difficult process, providing the legal knowledge and support needed to build a compelling case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about Chico water contamination with these frequently asked questions.