New Hampshire Water Contamination Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The New Hampshire Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Testing of New Hampshire water supplies indicates that the state’s water may be contaminated with a number of different toxins. Within the last decade, concerns have grown over exposure to “forever chemicals,” such as PFAS, that take hundreds to thousands of years to break down and are resistant to heat, water, grease, oil, and electrical currents. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refer to a group of human-made or synthetic compounds that are used in everyday products, from non-stick pans, firefighting sprays, and waterproof goods.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of severe health conditions, including testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) has taken action to investigate and remediate PFAS contamination in the state’s groundwater and drinking water sources. As early as 2018, New Hampshire state law has limited the level of PFAS that can be found in drinking water. Individuals diagnosed with serious health concerns after being exposed to PFAS are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine their eligibility in filing a lawsuit.

Timeline of Water Contamination in New Hampshire | 2025 Update

May 14, 2025: NH House Bill 167 Would Make It Illegal to Sell Wax with PFAS

New Hampshire House Bill 167 would make it illegal for businesses in the state to sell ski, boat, and board waxes with intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances. The bill is one of many regulatory actions taken by the state to reduce or eliminate PFAS contamination.

April 28, 2025: EPA Administrator Announces Agency Action on PFAS

The Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lee Zeldin, announced upcoming actions to be taken by the agency to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water across the country. The actions would include the creation of effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) to eliminate the toxic chemicals from contaminating water supplies across the country.

August 2, 2024: NH Governor Signs Bill Prohibiting Sell of Certain PFAS-containing Products

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed House Bill 1649, which would prohibit the selling of certain PFAS-containing products in the state by 2027. The bill targets products with intentionally added PFAS, including carpets, rugs, cosmetics, and textile treatments.

January 22, 2024: NHDES Releases Findings About Lesser Known PFAS Contamination Sources

In January 2024, the NHDES announced it was investigating lesser-known sources of groundwater contamination by PFAS. These sources include wastewater from commercial cleaning operations. The NHDES’ Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau (DWGB) has been investigating sources of contamination since 2021.

December 2019: NHDES Produces a Plan to Establish Surface Water Quality Standards

In December 2019, the NHDES produced a plan to generate surface water quality standards for PFAS levels. The plan will lower the allowable levels of certain PFAS to 12 parts per trillion (ppt), which is considerably less than the EPA’s guidance at the time. The EPA has since modified its recommendations.

March 2016: Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water Is Formed

In March 2016, Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water was formed after the NHDES ordered the closure of two of six public water wells due to testing that showed PFAS levels exceeding the state’s regulatory limit at the time.

May 12, 2014: PFAS Detected in Concerning Levels at Drinking Wells in New Hampshire Prompting Shut Down

In May 2014, high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in a drinking well at Pease Tradeport in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The drinking well supplied water to the residents of Portsmouth. As a result of the testing, the well was shut down. The Pease blood testing program was implemented from 2015 to 2016 for individuals who worked at or lived near the Pease Tradeport or Pease Air Force Base. The blood test showed that PFAS was present in 94% of the samples.

About the New Hampshire Water Contamination Lawsuit:

Sources of Water Contamination in New Hampshire

Researchers agree that there may be multiple sources of water contamination in New Hampshire and throughout the country.

Potential sources of water contamination in New Hampshire include:

• Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which are firefighting sprays frequently used at military bases, including Pease Air Force Base.
• Car washes
• Commercial cleaning suppliers
• Manufacturers of Teflon and other non-stick coating, including at the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics facility in Merrimack
• Waste management
• Food packaging plants
• Industrial launderers (e.g., dry cleaners)
• Airport operations

Cities near manufacturing plants, such as Merrimack, and current or former military bases, including Pease Tradeport, frequently have some of the highest levels of PFAS in their soil and water.

Water Contamination From Military Installations

The Department of Defense has identified over 700 military installations and National Guard Facilities around the globe that may have PFAS contamination, including those located in New Hampshire. Some of these military bases have extensive PFAS contamination in their water and soil, meaning that countless servicemembers and their families may have been exposed to dangerous toxins while living or working on the base.

PFAS Contamination at Military Installation in New Hampshire:

• Center Strafford Training Site (2017-2018): 51 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS
• Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (2018): 140 ppt for PFOS + PFOA
• Newington (2018): 1,270 ppt for PFOS + PFOA
• State Military Reservation – Concord (2022): 160 ppt for PFHxS and 280 ppt for PFOS
• New Boston Air Force Station (2016-2017): 66 ppt for PFOS and 19 ppt for PFOA
• Pease Air Force Base (now Pease International Tradeport): 2,500 ppt for PFOS

New Hampshire’s Regulations for Drinking Water

The New Hampshire Safe Water Drinking Act was established in 1989 to help protect the state’s public water sources and to provide regulations or standards for levels of contaminants. The NHDES Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau (DWGB) ensures state regulations are adhered to by testing water sources throughout New Hampshire.

Maximum contaminant levels for PFAS in New Hampshire drinking water are currently set at:

• PFOA – 12 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS – 15 ppt
• PFHxS – 18 ppt
• PFNA – 11 ppt

New Hampshire Water Contamination Map

Our New Hampshire water contamination map shows where significant levels of PFAS have been detected in the state’s drinking water. Some of the highest concentrations of PFAS are near current or former military bases and airports where AFFF was frequently used to fight fires and for training purposes. AFFF is known to contain PFAS. Runoff from the firefighting foam is one of the primary sources of PFAS contamination in New Hampshire and around the country.

Contaminants Found in New Hampshire Drinking Water

Research shows that New Hampshire drinking water may be contaminated with dangerous toxins that present a significant risk to the health and well-being of children and adults. Two of the most concerning chemicals found in New Hampshire drinking water include PFAS, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, and lead, which can cause significant health problems, such as developmental delays in children.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water in New Hampshire

Long-term exposure to contaminants found in New Hampshire drinking water, such as PFAS, can cause severe health concerns. Research indicates that PFAS exposure may result in an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer. According to the National Cancer Research Center, two of the most well-studied PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have been classified as possible human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Individuals exposed to PFAS are encouraged to seek regular medical check-ups or pursue screening programs to ensure any illnesses are diagnosed as early as possible.

PFAS Exposure Linked to Various Health Conditions:

• 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 New Hampshire Water Contamination Lawsuit

To be eligible for a New Hampshire State water contamination lawsuit with King Law, individuals must meet specific criteria:

• Length of Exposure: To be eligible for a water contamination lawsuit, individuals must have lived or worked in New Hampshire for at least 1 year during the alleged period of contamination.
• Diagnosis: Individuals must have been diagnosed with a PFAS-related condition, such as:
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
• Evidence: Successful claims generally rely on evidence that helps to substantiate the case. Documents that may prove critical to your case include medical records and proof of residence in New Hampshire during the period of contamination.

New Hampshire Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

It is anticipated that New Hampshire water contamination lawsuits may range between $30,000 and $300,000, depending on the individual circumstances of the case. The best way to determine the potential value of your case is by consulting with a knowledgeable attorney.

An attorney will help to ensure all eligibility requirements are met, including that you resided in New Hampshire during the suspected contamination period. You must show that you lived or worked on or near the military base, waste site, or other location that was contaminated with PFAS. Strong evidence, including a comprehensive set of your medical records, is often needed to support your claim. It is important to note that water contamination lawsuits may take several months to a year or more to resolve. Working with an attorney is often critical to ensure all legal requirements are met, and the maximum damages are requested.

How to File a New Hampshire Water Contamination Lawsuit

There are several steps to file a New Hampshire water contamination lawsuit. Foremost, you need to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney well-versed in PFAS water contamination lawsuits can help to ensure you are eligible to take legal action and that all requirements are met prior to filing.

Steps to file a New Hampshire water contamination lawsuit:

• Consult with an attorney: The first step in a water contamination lawsuit is to consult with an attorney. An attorney will review the claim and assess whether you should file a lawsuit. Because many of these lawsuits are filed in federal courts, your lawyer does not need to be located in New Hampshire.
• Determine eligibility: With the help of your attorney, you will need to determine whether you are eligible to take legal action and what jurisdiction you will need to file the claim in. There may be a state or federal claim, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
• Gather evidence: Prior to filing, your attorney will want to ensure you have gathered all of the necessary documents to substantiate your case. These documents may include your medical bills, proof of residency, income verification, and expert testimony.
• File the claim: With the necessary documents gathered, your attorney will file the claim in the appropriate courthouse. Before filing, your attorney will review the information to ensure you are within New Hampshire’s statute of limitations and all legal requirements are met.
• Negotiations and trial: After filing, your claim will go through the pre-trial process. During this phase, your attorney may engage in negotiations with the other party to try and resolve the claim with a favorable settlement. If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter may be set for trial.

Evidence to Support Your NH Water Contamination Claim:

In order to file a successful New Hampshire water contamination claim, you will need to provide supporting evidence. Evidence helps to strengthen your case. Without adequate documentation of your injuries and exposure, your claim for compensation may be denied.

Evidence that may be needed to support your New Hampshire water contamination claim:

• Medical records
• Proof of diagnosis and treatment of a qualifying PFAS-related illness
• Environmental studies
• Expert testimony
• Documentation of residence in New Hampshire
• Proof of military service or proof you lived or worked on base
• Financial records showing out-of-pocket losses
• Income verification

Statute of Limitations for New Hampshire Water Contamination Claims

In 2021, the State of New Hampshire extended the amount of time a person has to file certain PFAS-related lawsuits from three to six years. However, ensuring timely filing can be challenging without the help of a qualified attorney. The amount of time you have to file a lawsuit may vary significantly based on the individual circumstances of your case. It is important to note that the time may not begin until you discover your PFAS-related condition or when you discover your illness was caused by water contaminated with PFAS.

Failure to file within New Hampshire’s statute of limitations can result in your claim for compensation being denied. Due to the complex nature of these kinds of cases, it is strongly recommended that you speak to an attorney as early in the process as possible.

New Hampshire Water Contamination Lawyers

King Law’s attorneys and legal partners are well-versed in water contamination lawsuits, having helped individuals across the country. Our firm has specific experience in civilian and military cases, particularly related to PFAS exposure.

The attorneys at King Law will help assess whether your claim meets the criteria necessary to take legal action. They will walk you through the process step by step and help you to make informed decisions about your case while providing personalized representation to you and your family. Individuals affected by water contamination are encouraged to contact King Law to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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