Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Resource-rich Pennsylvania continues to face health issues resulting from water contamination. Water sources in the Keystone State have been contaminated by lead, arsenic, and a class of chemicals called PFAS, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, along with other pollutants, are linked to serious long-term health problems, including kidney, liver, testicular, and thyroid cancers.

Pennsylvanians are fighting back by filing lawsuits against the entities responsible for contaminating critical water supplies.

Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

From hosting America’s first oil well, to becoming an industrial stronghold in the 19th and 20th centuries, to modern natural gas extraction, Pennsylvania’s history is marked by economic progress and a legacy of water pollution. Military and industrial operations have resulted in water contamination throughout the state, putting many residents at risk of serious diseases.

Additionally, PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) used to fight fires at airports and military bases have taken a toll on nearby water sources. For example, the Keystone State cited 12 PFAS violations in public drinking water supplies, for example.

While the state takes action to address the presence of contaminants in its drinking water, residents who have been exposed to these dangerous chemicals are filing lawsuits to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. Experienced firms like King Law are helping these individuals seek justice.

Timeline of Water Contamination in Pennsylvania | 2025 Update

Many communities throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have been affected by water contamination, particularly in the Southeastern region of the state. Up to a third of the state’s residents may be exposed to unsafe levels of PFAS through public drinking water or wells.

April 2025: The EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) announces a new action plan for PFAS, including a dedicated agency lead, formalized effluent limitation guidelines, and a liability framework.

March 2025: Four schools in Southeastern Pennsylvania were found to have “forever chemical” contamination in excess of state regulations, with the waters students drink having high levels of some PFAS.

January 2025: President Trump signs an executive order rescinding PFAS guidelines drafted by the Biden administration, which would have imposed federal guidelines on PFAS in drinking water supplies.

June 2024: 19% of water systems in Pennsylvania had PFAS contamination exceeding EPA standards. About 2.5% had levels exceeding the state’s less stringent guidelines.

April 2024: The U.S. EPA finalizes the first enforceable federal limits on PFAS contamination in drinking water.

August 2023: PFAS contamination in Pennsylvania waterways linked to electronics manufacturing, wastewater treatment facilities, and sewage overflows near oil and gas development.

January 2023: Pennsylvania sets formal regulations on two PFAS compounds (PFOS and PFOA) ahead of proposed federal guidelines.

June 2022: One-third of Pennsylvania drinking water systems are found to have PFAS contamination exceeding the EPA’s advisory guidelines.

May 2019: PFAS detected at 17 sites in Pennsylvania, including Willow Grove Naval Air Station. The study surveyed sites throughout the state including public water systems, military bases, civilian airports, industrial plants, and dumps. These sites all showed the presence of PFAS in a 2013 sampling effort.

About the Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawsuit:

Sources of Water Contamination in Pennsylvania

There are many possible sources of water contamination in Pennsylvania. Common commercial, government, and residential activities can all contribute to water contamination. These activities include:

• Agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.)
• Industrial waste
• Sewage treatment byproducts
• Aging plumbing
• Insufficient flood mitigation
• Chemical spills and accidents
• Firefighting
• Landfills
• Airports and military bases

When it comes to PFAS contamination, airports and military bases are often some of the biggest culprits, as they have historically relied heavily on these chemicals to control fires on site. PFAS contamination is highest in the heavily populated southeastern region of the state, with additional problem areas in the west of the state and Wyoming Valley in the northeast.

Water Contamination From Military Installations

Military sites are among the most prolific users of PFAS-containing products. That is because fuel fires are frequent during operations and training. Historically, these fuel fires were extinguished with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) products. AFFFs frequently run off the site and contaminate nearby water sources and soil. Here are some of the military bases where PFAS may be found:

• Pennsylvania Military bases: Carlisle Barracks, Defense Logistics Agency of Susquehanna, Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, Tobyhanna Army Depot, USAREC Harrisburg Battalion, 171ARW, 193 SOW

Sites with significant confirmed PFAS discharges include:

• Pittsburgh International Airport (2018): 6,073 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and PFOA
• Letterkenny Army Depot (2018): 1,099 ppt for PFOS and PFOA
• Harrisburg International Airport (2018): 2,215 for PFOS and PFOA
• Philadelphia Naval Support (2019): 26,992 ppt for PFOS
• Horsham Air Guard Station (2019): 309,700 ppt for PFOS and PFOA

Pennsylvania’s Regulations for Drinking Water

Pennsylvania regulates pollutants in its drinking water and evolves its policies based on new data. That said, some of the regulations, like those governing PFAS, are quite new. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently regulates the following water contaminants:

• PFAS: As of 2023, the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is 14 ppt and 18 ppt for PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid). PFAs are currently unregulated at the federal level, though the EPA suggests 4 ppt for both types of PFAS. PFAS can cause cancer, reproductive harms, and other health issues.
• Lead & Copper: Federal regulations require action if lead contamination exceeds 15 parts per billion (ppb). The action level for copper is 1.3 ppm. Lead can cause developmental delays. Copper can cause gastrointestinal and organ damage.
• Microbial Contamination:  The state follows federal Ground Water Rule regulations. Contamination with fungi or bacteria can cause a range of illnesses.
• Disinfectants & Disinfectant Byproducts: This category includes a variety of chemicals, like chlorine and bromate. Bromate can cause hearing loss, kidney damage, and nervous system damage. Chlorine can cause breathing issues and gut distress.
• Radionuclides: These are radioactive materials like uranium or radon, which may be present in water naturally or from human sources like nuclear facilities. They are federally regulated, as they can lead to a range of severe side effects.
• Arsenic: The MCL for arsenic in drinking water is set by the EPA at 10 ppb. Arsenic can lead to heart disease, cancer, and developmental issues.

The effectiveness of Pennsylvania’s regulations for these pollutants varies by contaminant. For example, the state has been fairly effective at limiting arsenic in its public water supplies while making efforts to address the toxin’s concentration in well water. PFAS regulations, on the other hand, have not been in place very long, and PFAS contamination is more widespread.

Contaminants Found in Pennsylvania  Drinking Water

Water contaminants carry serious health risks over the long term if they are present in drinking water in sufficient quantities. Children, in particular, can be more vulnerable to health risks associated with these pollutants.

The following chemicals are found in Pennsylvania’s drinking water and are of particular concern.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a category containing thousands of manufactured chemicals notable for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil. These properties make them useful for tasks like firefighting, making waterproof attire, and lining cookware. They also tend to break down very slowly in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, and animals, including humans.

Two of the most well-studied PFAS are perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), both of which carry health risks when they accumulate in the body in significant quantities. People can be exposed to PFAS through a variety of vectors, including food packaging, clothing, and drinking water. Unsafe levels of these chemicals are linked to a variety of cancers, birth defects, and ulcerative colitis.

Lead

Unlike PFAs, lead can naturally occur in drinking water or result from manmade contamination. Degrading lead pipes from buildings constructed before 1986 can also locally contaminate water, even if the water source is otherwise clean.

Lead is a well-studied heavy metal that can cause physical, psychological, and developmental issues. Symptoms of lead poisoning include:

• Developmental delays in children
• Irritability and mood disorders
• High blood pressure
• Memory issues
• Reproductive issues

Current Water Quality in Pennsylvania

Water quality in Pennsylvania varies by region. PFAS have been detected in 76% of 161 Pennsylvania rivers and streams. Higher concentrations of PFAS have been found near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Water Treatment Efforts in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania passed its own PFAS regulations in 2023, ahead of federal ones, to address widespread contamination in several parts of the state. These standards are less stringent than the EPA’s suggested guidelines, but they do require testing to be in place for both large and small water systems within the state as of January 2025.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water in Pennsylvania

When drinking water contaminants reach unsafe levels, they can cause serious health problems, especially when consumed over the long term, as has been observed at sites with high concentrations like Fort Ord.

Unsafe levels of PFAS are linked to:

• 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

Individuals who believe they have been exposed to high levels of contamination should get regular health check-ups or screenings when available.

Eligibility Criteria for the Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawsuit

Residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can file a water contamination lawsuit if they meet the necessary criteria for exposure and illness.

• Length of Exposure: You must have resided or worked in an affected area of the state for at least one year during an identified contamination period.
• Eligible Diagnoses: King Law is evaluating cases with the following diagnoses:
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Testicular Cancer
  • Liver Cancer

To further support lawsuit eligibility, you will need to provide medical records that confirm your diagnosis. You will also need to provide documentation that proves you lived or worked within a contaminated area. King Law’s attorneys can help you navigate this complicated process.

Pennsylvania Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Water contamination settlement amounts in Pennsylvania can vary depending on several factors. The litigation process can take several months or more, during which time the extent of exposure will be evaluated. Higher levels of exposure are more likely to result in larger settlements. Affected minors may also receive larger settlements due to more profound impacts on their quality of life and future earning potential.

Settlement amounts may range between $30,000 and $300,000, depending on the medical diagnosis and the extent of exposure to toxic chemicals. An attorney can provide guidance and a reasonable expectation for settlement awards.

How to File a Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing an effective water contamination lawsuit in Pennsylvania is a specific process, consisting of the following steps:

• Initial Consultation: A free consultation with an experienced water contamination attorney can help determine if you have a case. It will also help set your expectations for the rest of the process.
• Gather Evidence: You will need to establish the validity of your claim with evidence. This includes providing medical records, work records, or environmental reports that show you were exposed to and harmed by water contamination. Your attorney can help you gather this information.
• Legal Filing: Your attorney will create and file the appropriate legal documents based on the evidence you have gathered. This will establish your complaint and the damages you seek. This must be filed within the statute of limitations, which is typically two years from the discovery or diagnosis of the injury in Pennsylvania. However, if you only recently learned your illness might have been caused by PFAS exposure, you may still be eligible to file a case.
• Pre-Trial Procedures: Both sides of the case will exchange evidence. This phase also may include depositions and interrogations.
• Settlement Negotiations: Your attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the defendants that provides fair compensation for your damages.
• Trial: If a settlement can not be reached, your case will go to trial. Your attorney will present your case, and a judge or jury will determine the outcome of your case.

Evidence to Support Your PA Water Contamination Claim

The strength of your case will be largely based on the evidence you are able to provide. Establishing that you were both exposed to water contamination in Pennsylvania and injured by it will require a number of key elements. These include:

• Proof of Residence and/or Employment: You will need to show that you were exposed to water contamination by establishing you were present in an affected area. You can use lease agreements, employment records, or bills as evidence.
• Environmental Studies: You will also need to show that the area in question had dangerous levels of water contamination at the time you were exposed. State and federal reports, as well as studies, can be used and gathered by your attorney.
• Medical Documents: These can be used to show that you received a qualifying diagnosis associated with water contamination.
• Expert Testimonies and Personal Statements: Statements from professionals that can help link your exposure to water contamination with your medical diagnoses and pain and suffering.
• Receipts and Bills: These can establish medical expenses you have incurred due to exposure.

Statute of Limitations for Pennsylvania Water Contamination Claims

In order to establish a water contamination lawsuit, you need to file a claim within a certain time frame called the statute of limitations. In Pennsylvania, this is typically within two years of discovering, through licensed medical diagnosis, that they have been injured.

However, filing deadlines may vary based on the circumstances of your case. If you only recently learned PFAS may have caused your injuries, you may still be able to file a viable lawsuit. Working with an attorney well-versed in environmental or personal injury law can help you navigate filing deadlines and give you the best shot at establishing a case.

Pennsylvania Water Contamination Lawyers

King Law attorneys have extensive experience with water contamination lawsuits in Pennsylvania, focusing PFAS and military base water contamination. Our experienced environmental lawyers offer informed guidance to help you understand your options and the legal requirements for filing a lawsuit. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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