Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Many drinking water sources in Massachusetts are contaminated. Individuals in Massachusetts join others throughout the nation in filing lawsuits due to water contamination. Consuming contaminated drinking water can result in serious health conditions, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, neurological impairments, and ulcerative colitis.

Some of the major sources of drinking water contamination in Massachusetts include stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, industrial operations, farm runoff, lead pipes, and PFAS from various residential and commercial uses. People are filing lawsuits after developing serious injuries tied to contaminated drinking water in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

In Massachusetts, individuals with diagnosed conditions may be eligible to file a lawsuit related to PFAS in their drinking water. Widespread contamination in Massachusetts comes from a number of sources, including airports, military installations, and other places where PFAS-containing products are used. PFAS chemicals do not break down naturally in the environment, and these substances can have serious implications for human health.

For example, more than 6 million people in Massachusetts are drinking tap water with PFAS levels above acceptable health guidelines. Individuals who consumed water contaminated with PFAS and developed a serious health condition are encouraged to speak with a reputable attorney. Their team can discuss eligibility criteria and options for filing a lawsuit against the companies who polluted Massachusetts’ waters.

Timeline of Water Contamination in Massachusetts | 2025 Update

May 2025: The EPA announced that the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for PFOA and PFOS, the most common types of PFAS, will remain unchanged with an enforceable level of 4 ppt. The announcement also stated that water systems across the country must provide the public with information on the levels of PFAS in their drinking water beginning in 2027. If public water systems detect PFAS levels above the limit, they must notify the public of the violation and take immediate action to reduce those levels.

June 2022: The PFAS Free Analyses Program for Public Water Suppliers and Private Wells Program has concluded after three years of testing all public water suppliers and select private wells in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection launched this program to determine the extent of PFAS in drinking water across the state.

May 2022: Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey filed a lawsuit against 13 manufacturers of AFFF foam, including 3M, DuPont, and Chemguard. The complaint highlights that these companies were aware of the dangers of PFAS exposure, yet they continued to market and sell the foam to government entities, fire departments, and businesses. This has contributed to contamination in Massachusetts’ air, soil, drinking water, and other natural resources.

May 2018: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services (MassDFS) to create a take-back program. This program asks all fire departments to inspect for fire-fighting foam manufactured before 2003, as the primary chemical in the product is PFAS. Since PFAS are considered “forever chemicals,” the foam requires specialized handling and removal.

March 2016: The National Sanitation Foundation established standards for testing filters designed to remove PFAS chemicals from contaminated water sources.

2006: As more contaminants are identified throughout Massachusetts water systems, the state becomes the first in the nation to advocate for perchlorate regulation– another water contaminant that previously was not regulated by the state or federal government.

About the Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawsuit

Sources of Water Contamination in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a long history of manufacturing and modernization. Many residential, commercial, and industrial activities have resulted in contaminants entering the state’s water supplies. One of the most concerning pollutants is a group of chemicals called PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

PFAS chemicals can enter the environment and drinking water in several ways. They can be found in pesticides that are sprayed directly into the air or on the ground, as well as in landfills. PFAS can leach out of products in landfills and contaminate groundwater.

The most common source of PFAS is AFFF Foam, a class-B firefighting foam used on military bases and airports. This foam can wash away and be absorbed into the ground and water. Two of the most dangerous types of PFAS are PFOS and PFOA. These contaminants are present in water supplies at and around military installations throughout the state. This water contamination at military sites has resulted in thousands of lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers and the U.S. government.

Massachusetts Military Bases with confirmed high PFOS+PFOA (the first federally regulated PFAS) contamination include:

• Fort Devens (2017-2019): 2,749 ppt
• Westover Air Reserve Base (2018): 301,000 ppt
• Former Sudbury Training Annex (2018): 13,500 ppt
• Hanscom Air Force Base (2018): 44,360 ppt
• Bedford Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (2018): 167 ppt
• Naval Air Station South Weymouth (2018): 256,000 ppt
• Joint Base Cape Cod (2018): 1,000 ppt

Massachusetts airports with confirmed high PFOS+PFOA contamination include:

• Barnes Municipal Airport (2018): 1,029 ppt
• Nantucket Memorial Airport
• Cape Cod Getaway Airport

Massachusetts Regulations for Drinking Water

On October 2, 2020, the Massachusetts’ Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) established the maximum contaminant level for the sum of detected PFAS at 20 parts per trillion. This regulation officially took effect in January 2021. This announcement was made while the EPA health advisory remains at 70 ppt for PFOS and PFOA nationwide. The MassDEP Office of Research and Standards determined that 20 ppt was the proper level to protect sensitive consumers, such as infants, pregnant or nursing women, and anyone with a compromised immune system.

Contaminants Found in Massachusetts Drinking Water

PFAS continues to be a major concern in Massachusetts, with various types found in the state’s drinking water, including PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and PFHxS. Lead is another contaminant of concern, as it can cause serious health issues, particularly in children, when present at high levels.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The U.S. Geological Survey found that as many as 98% of Massachusetts residents who drink public water are drinking water contaminated with PFAS. These chemicals get in the water through a few ways, but some of the most prominent ways are through industrial operations, residential wastewater, and firefighting foam used on military bases and airports. PFAS is the main ingredient in many firefighting foams, and after being used in emergencies or exercises, it gets into the ground, resulting in groundwater contamination. The chemicals are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and can persist in the environment and the human body.

When people are exposed to unsafe levels of PFAS, they may experience the following side effects:

• Birth defects
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Decreased vaccine effectiveness
• Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Lowered immune response
• Multiple-myeloma
• Kidney cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Reproductive issues
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Lead

Thankfully in Massachusetts, most drinking water sources are lead-free. However, lead can still be found in water due to the water flowing through lead pipes. Service lines that connect homes to the water main may also contain lead, especially if it was built before 1940. Most of the older service lines have been replaced, but lead pipes owned by property owners still pose health risks.

Scientists have previously discovered a connection between lead exposure and lowered IQ in children. Lead can also affect adults as it is stored in bones and can be released later in life, causing harm, such as kidney issues.

Current Water Quality in Massachusetts

A PFAS analysis of 7,981 samples across the state from 2019 to 2022 revealed that the northeast region of Massachusetts had the highest frequency of PFAS detections, with 77% of sites registering at least 2 parts per trillion (ppt). Meanwhile, the state’s western region showed the fewest sites with results of more than 2 ppt.

Water Treatment Efforts in Massachusetts

In 2019, the Massachusetts Legislature allocated $24 million in PFAS funding to test and remediate PFAS in water supplies. With $8.4 million, MassDEP provided grants for free PFAS testing of public water supplies and private wells in 85 towns. The remaining funding was allocated to grant programs, including the PFAS Treatment Grant Program, the PFAS6 Interim Response Grant Program, and the Small Systems PFAS Grant Program. All of these programs include forms of testing and solutions to PFAS water contamination.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water in Massachusetts

The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) has created a portfolio of studies that investigate the links between PFAS and cancer types. One study conducted in 2023 included 400 cases of thyroid cancer in women with no prior history of cancer. The researchers identified seven types of PFAS in over half of the women.

There is now a Basewide PFAS Operable Unit investigating the PFAS across South Weymouth Naval Air Station due to known areas for fire-fighting training exercises from 1950 to 1990. Individuals who have spent over 6 months on military bases after 1970, such as South Weymouth NAS, are encouraged to visit their doctor for annual checkups, as they may be at higher risk of PFAS-related injuries.

PFAS exposure is linked to various health conditions, including:

• Kidney Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Bladder Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Male Breast Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Liver Cancer

Eligibility Criteria for the Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you want to file a lawsuit in Massachusetts related to an injury from PFAS exposure, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria can change over time, but they include things like:

• Time of Exposure: Must have lived or worked in the state for at least one year during the time the contamination occurred, or for at least 6 months if you were stationed at military bases.
• Specific Diagnoses: We’re evaluating cases with a diagnosis of:

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

In order to file a lawsuit, you will also need to supply supporting documents. You will need to provide necessary documents, such as medical records that confirm your diagnosis and proof of where you lived or worked during the contamination period (e.g., utility bills, lease agreements, employment records).

These criteria help ensure a solid legal case and boost your chances of getting compensation. Scheduling a free consultation with experienced attorneys like those at King Law will help you navigate the legal process smoothly.

Massachusetts Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Different aspects of your case may impact your settlement value. The amount of exposure, age at your diagnosis, and medical expenses are all examples of potential factors evaluated in one’s case to help determine compensation. Supporting documents, such as proof of residency in the contaminated area and insurance records, could help strengthen your case. Our team expects settlement amounts to range from $30,000 to $300,000, depending on the level of exposure and diagnosis. Working with an attorney can provide the guidance and support you need to set realistic expectations about the lawsuit’s timeline and outcome.

How to File a Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit for water contamination in Massachusetts can be a complex process that requires attention to detail and adhering to specific legal requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:

• Free Consultation: Meeting with an attorney who is knowledgeable in water contamination may help you understand the strength of your case and what to expect from the legal process.
• Collect Evidence: Gather all documentation that is relevant to your case, such as medical records and proof of residency.
• Submit Legal Paperwork: Your attorney will draft and submit all necessary paperwork that pertains to your case in a timely manner.
• Engage in Settlement Negotiations: Your attorney will work with you to settle on a fair amount that compensates you for your injuries and experiences.

Evidence to Support Your Massachusetts Water Contamination Claim

Having strong evidence is crucial to your lawsuit. Documentation will help solidify your case and potentially increase compensation.

Evidence can include:

• Medical records that show a diagnosis and treatment of injury
• Documentation that shows proof of residency or employment in the contaminated area
• Expert testimonies from medical professionals linking the exposure of PFAS to the diagnosed injury
• Medical receipts or bills for related healthcare costs

Clear and concise documentation is essential in supporting your claim and achieving a successful outcome.

Statute of Limitations for Massachusetts Water Contamination Claims

When considering a Massachusetts water contamination lawsuit, the statute of limitations is an important factor to consider. This legal timeline sets a deadline for filing lawsuits to qualify for compensation. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including cases involving water contamination exposure, is three years from the date of diagnosis.

However, filing deadlines can vary based on individual cases and circumstances. Talking to a lawyer about your potential case as soon as possible can help you avoid statute of limitations issues and get the compensation you deserve. If you only recently discovered that PFAS might have caused your illness, you may still be able to open a case.

Massachusetts Water Contamination Lawyers

The attorneys at King Law are well-informed in Massachusetts water contamination lawsuits, with extensive experience in environmental cases, particularly those related to PFAS. A free claim evaluation with our in-house intake team may provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to understand this case and your claim better. Our attorneys will assist you with document preparation for evidence and ensure your case is filed correctly and on time. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about water contamination in Massachusetts with answers to these frequently asked questions: