Claremont Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Claremont Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — often called “forever chemicals” — are linked to severe health problems. These include issues like kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. These and other substances have been detected in the Claremont, California area’s water supply. As a result, there are ongoing concerns about the quality and safety of drinking water in the local area.

The serious health risks associated with exposure to PFAS substances are causing many individuals in Claremont, CA to file water contamination lawsuits against manufacturers to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Numerous lawsuits are in progress, and people affected by PFAS contamination continue to come forward.

Claremont, California Water Contamination Overview

Claremont dates back to the 1880s, when the arrival of transcontinental railroads in southern California led to a land boom. In modern times, Claremont is known for its historic preservation, green spaces, excellent schools, institutions of higher learning, and thriving art scene.

Still, the rapid urbanization of greater Los Angeles introduced various pollutants to the local environment. As a result, Claremont is not immune to many of the water contamination issues that threaten southern California. These water pollutants pose various risks of cancers, chronic illness and other medical conditions.

Many locals affected by these water contamination issues have filed lawsuits against manufacturers that may be responsible for introducing contaminants like PFAS into the local water supply. King Law is supporting and guiding Claremont individuals through their water contamination lawsuits.

Claremont Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

• 2023: The State of California issues new regulations for contaminants like PFAS. Claremont and other municipalities begin to implement enhanced water treatment processes to combat these substances.
• 2010s – 2020s: Concerns over PFAS chemicals begin to emerge in California, prompting state and local government initiatives to further investigate and monitor these contaminants.
• 1990s – 2000s: Various state and local initiatives help enhance local control over Claremont’s water resources and increase safe drinking water standards.
• 1986: California voters pass Proposition 65, which requires the state government and businesses to disclose chemicals used in their products that may cause cancer, birth defects and other harm. The regulations extend to protecting drinking water.
• 1980s: Closer monitoring reveals significant levels of nitrate contamination in Claremont’s water.
• 1974: The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires states to develop water quality standards, leading to stricter oversight of Claremont area water.
• 1930s – 1960s: Massive population increases and industrial growth brings pollution and contaminants to the area. Many industrial waste disposal practices operate with relatively little oversight.
• 1900 – 1920s: Large-scale citrus farming in the Claremont area utilizes fertilizers and pesticides that often contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals may contaminate the local water supply.

About Claremont, California Water Contamination:

History of Water Contamination in Claremont, California

The often-polarizing weather of Southern California — where long periods of drought are periods of extreme flooding — has made the acquisition and protection of safe, clean drinking water a priority for Claremont and greater Los Angeles County. Significant public initiatives have helped ensure the area has access to an appropriate fresh water supply. However, with the extreme growth in the area’s population and rapid industrialization, there are ample chances for harmful contaminants to enter the water supply. Besides PFAS chemicals, contaminants such as arsenic, chloroform, nitrate, and uranium have all been found in the Claremont area’s drinking water, and in recent years, some of these contaminants have been detected at higher-than-acceptable levels. Since at least 2012, the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) has coordinated with other federal and state agencies to address the potential concerns caused by PFAS chemicals and other contaminants.

Sources of Water Contamination in Claremont

For decades, potentially harmful chemicals were able to enter Claremont’s water with relatively little oversight. For example, when citrus farms dotted the area, the pesticides used in cultivation could contaminate the soil and run off into the drinking water. In addition, rapid urbanization, particularly following World War II, led to a population boom. This growth introduced much higher levels of pollutants from industry, air contamination, waste disposal, sewage and other sources.

Even today, chemicals like lawn sprays, household cleaners, pool cleaners, and motor oil can all contribute to water contamination. Each can pose health and safety risks to consumers. PFAS chemicals, specifically, tend to enter the Claremont water supply from man-made sources, like industrial facilities. Wastewater treatment plants or landfills where people dispose of products containing PFAS may also add these contaminants to the water.

Claremont Water Contamination Map

Water contaminants, including PFAS chemicals, continue to affect Claremont’s water supply. Our Claremont water contamination map shows various contamination sites across the area. The presence of contaminants continues to impact the quality of Claremont’s drinking water in ways that may pose health risks to local consumers.

Contaminants Found in Claremont Drinking Water

Claremont’s drinking water has tested positive for contaminants including lead, chloroform, nitrate, and PFAS. While these contaminants are within legally mandated limits, their presence is still cause for concern. Exposure to such chemicals may lead to increased risks of cancer and other health concerns.

Arsenic

Arsenic is also a potent poison and carcinogen. As a naturally occurring mineral, it can enter a community’s water supply naturally. However, industrial production and agriculture can also introduce this contaminant to the water.

Arsenic has been found in Claremont’s water at a level 579 times greater than the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) Health Guide. Ongoing exposure to arsenic may pose significant risks of cardiovascular disease, skin lesions, diabetes, and various cancers, including skin, bladder, and lung cancer. Long-term exposure can also lead to developmental effects, neurotoxicity, and impaired cognitive function.

Chloroform

Chloroform forms when chemicals like chlorine react with natural substances — such as decaying vegetation — in water. As a result, when chlorine and similar chemicals are used during the water disinfection process, chloroform may form. Chloroform may also come from other sources, such as industrial discharge. Byproducts like chloroform can increase your risk of cancer and cause problems with pregnancies, including birth defects. Chloroform might also damage the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. Chloroform has been detected at levels 15 times greater than the EWG’s health guide.

Nitrate & Nitrite

Nitrate and nitrite are nitrogen compounds. Humans experiencing prolonged exposure to these chemicals may be at risk of developing health problems. They commonly exist in wastewater treatment plant discharge, chemical fertilizers, and even animal manure. The rise of chemical-based fertilizers has led to an increased risk of nitrate and nitrite contamination in local water. Nitrate exposure has been linked to increased risks of various conditions including colorectal, ovarian, thyroid, kidney, and bladder cancer. Claremont’s water has tested positive for nitrate and nitrite at a level 31 times higher than the EWG’s recommended safety levels.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

PFAS chemicals have been used for years in various consumer products, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam. These substances are hard to break down and can remain in the environment (and the human body) for very long periods. Even low levels of exposure to PFAS chemicals can put individuals at risk of various cancers, thyroid disease, weakened childhood immune systems, ulcerative colitis, and other problems. Testing by EWG on Claremont-area water has found levels of PFAS substances far above proposed safety limits. For example, the chemical PFOA has been detected in water samples at levels up to 12.9 ppt. However, the EWG recommends a safe level of the chemical to be at 4.0 ppt or less.

Other Contaminants

Various other contaminants have been found in Claremont’s drinking water. Each presents their own potential health risks:

• Bromochloroacetic acid: Cancer, problems with fetal development
• Bromodichloromethane: Bladder cancer and other cancers, fetal development problems
• Bromoform: Bladder cancer and other cancers, fetal development problems
• Chromium: Stomach cancer, liver damage, reproductive system damage, lower body weights in children
• Dibromoacetic acid: Cancer, problems with pregnancy
• Dibromochloromethane: Cancer, problems with pregnancy
• Dichloroacetic acid: Cancer, problems with pregnancy
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5 & HAA9): Cancer, harm to pregnancy
• Trichloroacetic acid: Bladder cancer, skin cancer, harm to fetal development
• Uranium: Cancer, kidney damage

Current Water Quality in Claremont

On the one hand, Claremont, CA’s water quality meets federal water safety standards. However, the presence of potentially harmful chemicals continues to pose a risk to consumers. PFAS substances and other contaminants are likely to continue to appear in samples of the area’s water. Remember, even though Claremont’s water quality may be legal, that does not necessarily mean it is free of contaminants. At times, the City of Claremont has even recommended that residents use additional water filters to stem the tide of additional contaminants.

Water Treatment Efforts in Claremont

Claremont, California has been actively addressing water contamination concerns for many years. Golden State Water Company (GSWC) — which owns the city’s water utility — regularly monitors, samples, and tests water for more than 230 contaminants, including PFAS chemicals. To combat the presence of PFAS chemicals in particular, GSWC has adopted various advanced water treatment solutions, such as ion exchanges and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). GSWC issues annual public reports on water quality and the presence of contaminants.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Claremont

While Claremont, California’s drinking water meets federal and state water safety standards, PFAS chemicals and other contaminants like arsenic and chloroform remain present. The presence of these pollutants — even at low or trace levels — remains a cause for concern. Exposure to PFAS and other substances in water may increase individuals’ risks of:

• Kidney problems
• High cholesterol
• Thyroid disease
• Weakened immune systems
• Endocrine and hormonal disorders
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Liver disease
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure
• Low birth weights
• Birth defects
• Neurological problems
• Cardiovascular disease

Vulnerable populations — the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with pre-existing conditions — may be more at risk of sustaining harm by drinking contaminated water. Those exposed to PFAS chemicals through their jobs (e.g., firefighters or industrial workers) may also have an increased risk of health problems.

Regular health check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection and management of medical problems caused by contaminated water. However, such care is likely to be quite expensive. Via a PFAS lawsuit, individuals diagnosed with a serious condition could be eligible for compensation to help with treatment costs and medical bills.

Eligibility Criteria for the Claremont Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you believe that you have experienced adverse health effects as a result of water contamination in Claremont, California, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit with the help of King Law. However, you must meet specific criteria to proceed.

Duration of Exposure

You must have lived or worked in Claremont for at least six months during the contamination period. 

Specific Diagnoses

King Law is evaluating potential water contamination cases involving a diagnosis of:

• Kidney cancer 
• Liver cancer 
• Testicular cancer 
• Thyroid cancer 
• Thyroid disease 
• Ulcerative colitis

Required Documentation 

Providing the correct information is critical to building a strong legal claim for your water contamination suit. It may also better solidify your chances of becoming eligible for compensation. You will have to provide medical records that confirm your diagnosis. You will also have to provide proof that you lived or worked in Claremont during the contamination period. Resources you may be able to use as proof of residence include utility bills, lease agreements, and employment records. 

The help of specialized attorneys, such as those at King Law, can assist you in navigating the legal process.

Claremont Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Settlements for a water contamination lawsuit in Claremont could range from $30,000 to $300,000. Various factors can influence the potential settlement you receive. These may include:

• The extent of your exposure to contaminants. Generally, you will need to have experienced exposure for six months or more.
• The documented health impacts of exposure, such as a diagnosis of cancer or chronic illnesses linked to contaminants.
• The duration of your residence or employment in the contaminated area. Longer periods of exposure may lead to larger settlements.
• Your age. People who are younger or those with prolonged active illnesses may receive larger settlements, due to the effects on their quality of life or reduced earning potential.

Keep in mind, a settlement may be lower than the potential amount you would receive from a trial verdict. Settlements reflect a compromise between the chance of receiving a higher trial reward and the risk of receiving nothing at all. 

To understand your options for pursuing compensation, consult a legal professional. King Law has specialized attorneys skilled in navigating the legal landscape involved with water contamination lawsuits. They can help ensure you meet all legal requirements for pursuing your claim.

How to File a Claremont Water Contamination Lawsuit

Water contamination lawsuits in Claremont, California tend to continue for several months. This complex legal journey may involve:

• Initial Consultation: You will need to consult with an attorney specializing in environmental law and water contamination cases. During the initial meeting, the attorney will assess the viability of your claim and determine the next steps.
• Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will advise you on the documentation you need to support your claim. Medical records, proof of residence or employment, environmental studies, and other documentation may all prove necessary. 
• Legal Filing: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary documents to support your claim. This will include your complaint outlining the allegations against the responsible party and the damages you seek. You must file the complaint within the statute of limitations. In California, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of diagnosis.
• Pre-Trial Procedures: Along with your attorney, you will engage in pre-trial activities. This may include a discovery period, where the parties in your suit exchange relevant information and evidence. Depositions, interrogations, and other questioning may take place during this time.
• Settlement Negotiations: Many water contamination cases settle out of court. Settling means your case gets resolved through negotiations before going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the defendants for a settlement that compensates you appropriately.
• Trial: If your attorney and the defendants cannot settle, your case will go to trial. Your attorney will argue your case before a judge or jury. They will then decide whether you can receive compensation from the defendant. A trial does not guarantee that you receive compensation.

Attorneys who are familiar with unique considerations associated with Claremont and the California legal field can often provide the best assistance. King Law’s attorneys are well versed in the ins and outs of water contamination cases in the area, and can guide you through the process.

Evidence to Support Your Claim:

Like in all legal cases, you will need to collect evidence to substantiate your claims that Claremont, California’s water contamination caused you to develop health issues. Doing so will help substantiate your claim and strengthen your argument for fair compensation. Some of the evidence you and your attorney may need to gather includes: 

• Medical documentation: If you have a disease linked to toxic exposure, you may need detailed records about your condition, treatments, dates of diagnosis, and other medical needs.
• Proof of residence or employment: You will need to prove that you have lived or worked in the Claremont area during the contamination period. Documents such as utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records may suffice.
• Environmental studies: Having evidence detailing the level and amounts of contaminants in the water supply may help support your claim.
• Expert testimony: Sometimes, you may need to obtain written or oral statements from medical professionals linking health conditions to contaminated water.
• Personal statements: You may be able to support your claim with personal, written accounts of the exposure, health issues, treatments, and impacts on your daily life caused by water contamination.
• Photographic evidence: Photos of the contaminated areas or the visible health impacts caused by contamination may help support your claim.
• Receipts and bills: To demonstrate the cost impact — particularly the medical costs — caused by exposure to contaminated water, you may need medical bills and receipts. 

It’s important to collect robust and expansive evidence, as the more evidence you have, the better you may be able to support your claim.

Statute of Limitations for Claremont Water Contamination Claims

Your timeframe for filing a water contamination lawsuit in Claremont, California may be subject to a statute of limitations. You must file the lawsuit within this timeframe to qualify for potential compensation.

Every jurisdiction has different statutes of limitations for water contamination lawsuits. In California, this period is generally about two years following the date you received a diagnosis of illness. However, it’s important to consult with an attorney who specializes in environmental or personal injury law to determine your eligibility to file. Schedule a consultation as soon as possible to initiate the case and enhance the likelihood of a successful claim.

Claremont, CA Water Contamination Lawyers

By having a qualified, experienced attorney by your side during your water contamination lawsuit, you may better your potential for receiving a favorable outcome for your case. King Law’s attorneys are well-versed in environmental statutes and the California legal process. Our comprehensive legal services include a thorough claims evaluation process, document preparation, and representation. We can ensure that you meet all legal requirements and deadlines throughout your case, and we’re here to help you throughout the process. Reach out today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about the Claremont, California water contamination with these frequently asked questions.