Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Individuals are filing water contamination lawsuits in Wisconsin after discovering that chemicals in the state’s water supply may have caused illnesses, including kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and more. Some of the chemicals in Wisconsin’s water supplies include PFAS, lead, and arsenic.

Wisconsin water supplies have particularly high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a result of companies like Ansul (now Tyco Fire Products) manufacturing firefighting foam known to contain the toxic chemicals. It is believed that runoff from the AFFF fire-fighting foam is a primary source of PFAS contamination in Wisconsin and throughout the country. For example, groundwater samples near the manufacturing plants found certain PFAS levels at 254,000 parts per trillion. Experts believe that even low levels of PFAS exposure can be harmful to human health.

Individuals diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness after being exposed to contaminated water in Wisconsin are encouraged to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Due to the widespread use of PFAS, a group of over 5,000 compounds referred to as “forever chemicals,” it is expected that millions of people may have been exposed to contaminated water. Since as early as the 1960s, Wisconsin companies have been manufacturing PFAS-containing products, including firefighting foam that is frequently used at military bases and in airport operations.

Individuals diagnosed with PFAS-related illnesses such as testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, and ulcerative colitis may have a valid claim for damages against the companies that released chemical-based pollutants into Wisconsin’s water supply. Aggrieved individuals are encouraged to seek legal counsel to determine whether they qualify for compensation.

Timeline of Water Contamination in Wisconsin | 2025 Update

May 14, 2025: EPA Announces It Will Not Change PFAS Standards

On May 14, 2025, the EPA announced that it would not be moving forward with additional changes to reduce PFAS contamination in water supplies throughout the United States. Instead, the regulatory agency said that it will keep the recommendations of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS and extend compliance with the regulations by two years (until 2031).

February 14, 2025: IARC Names PFOA as Carcinogen

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has evaluated PFOA, a commonly studied PFAS, as carcinogenic to humans. A human carcinogen is one that can cause cancer as a result of exposure.

April 10, 2024: EPA Announces Final Regulations for Certain PFAS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced final regulations for National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) for certain PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. The new regulations include an enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS and 10 ppt for PFHxS and PFNA.

August 1, 2022: Wisconsin Revises Safe Drinking Water Code to Limit PFAS Levels

Wisconsin’s Safe Drinking Water Code was revised to include new standards for PFAS levels in the state’s water supply. According to the revisions, the Maximum Contaminant Level standards for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are to be set at 70 parts per trillion.

January 7, 2021: Tyco Settles Class Action Lawsuit with Peshtigo Homeowners for $17.5 Million

Tyco Fire Products, formerly Ansul Company, has settled a class-action lawsuit with over 270 homeowners in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Claimants alleged that the company contaminated private drinking wells in the area with their firefighting foam that contained PFAS. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, $15 million of the settlement will be allocated for class-wide claims, and the rest will be given to individuals who suffered adverse health conditions, including testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid disease.

December 16, 2020: Statewide PFAS Action Plan released by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

A statewide Wisconsin PFAS Action Plan was created by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The plan helps to address growing concerns related to PFAS in the state’s water supply. The action plan is one of many steps taken by the state to help mitigate the damages.

November 2017: Ansul Company Admits to Contaminating Wells in Wisconsin

For decades, Ansul Company, now Tyco Fire Products, manufactured a firefighting foam known to contain PFAS. The foam was tested outdoors at its training facility in Marinette. It is alleged that the company knew for several years that it was contaminating the soil and water near the plant with chemicals, likely from runoff. Contamination from the firefighting foam extended to drinking wells in Peshtigo. The company did not tell property owners about the contamination for at least 4 years.

About the Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawsuit

Sources of Water Contamination in Wisconsin

It is believed that there may be several sources of water contamination in the State of Wisconsin. These sources include aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in firefighting operations, non-stick pan manufacturers, and commercial cleaners. Industrial operations and old water pipes are other sources of water contamination in Wisconsin.

In particular, the contamination from PFAS-containing firefighting foam has proved to be devastating and resulted in thousands of lawsuits.

Individuals living near military installations or airports in Wisconsin may be at the highest risk of developing PFAS-related conditions from contaminated water. Water supplies at military bases across the country have been contaminated by base operations. Additionally, studies show that cities, including Peshtigo, Merrimack, and Rhinelander, have the most significant levels of PFAS.

Water Contamination From Military Installations

One of the most common sources of water contamination is runoff from firefighting foam used on military bases. Water sampling at or near military bases shows significant contamination with these toxic chemicals.

Military bases potentially contaminated with PFAS:

• Badger Army Ammunition Plant (2018) – 20 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFOA and PFOS
• General Mitchell International Airport (2019) – 135,000 ppt of PFHxS, 33,046 ppt of PFOA and PFOS
• Fort McCoy (2017) – 120,000 ppt of PFOA and PFOS
• Volk Field, Camp Douglas (2017-2020) – 20,000 ppt of PFOS
• General Mitchell International Airport (2019) – 135,000 ppt of PFHxS
• West Bend AASF #1 / Armory (2020) – 54,700 ppt of PFHxA
• AASF #2 (2022) – 860 ppt of PFOS

Wisconsin’s Regulations for Drinking Water

Wisconsin has taken several steps to mitigate PFAS exposure in the state’s drinking water. In 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced it was revising the state’s safe drinking water law to include standards for acceptable levels of PFAS in water supplies. The new standards were set at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for the two most commonly studied PFAS. On a federal level, the EPA has reduced enforceable contaminant levels to 4 ppt for some substances and 10 ppt for others.

Wisconsin Water Contamination Map

Water contamination in the state of Wisconsin is significant. There are higher concentrations of hazardous toxins, such as PFAS, in areas near current and former military bases, as well as in locations with significant airline operations. Cities affected by water contamination in Wisconsin include Marinette, Peshtigo, Rhinelander, Eau Claire, Madison, and Wausau. It is believed that the runoff from products frequently used by the military, such as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), may have seeped into the soil and groundwater, causing it to become contaminated and dangerous to drink. The widespread use of PFAS-containing products makes it possible that these levels may rise over time. A 2023 study found that 71% of private wells in Wisconsin were contaminated with PFAS.

Contaminants Found in Wisconsin Drinking Water

Research shows that Wisconsin drinking water is contaminated with a number of dangerous chemicals. These chemicals include PFAS, such as PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, and PFHxS. Even low levels of exposure to these chemicals can cause serious harm. Other chemicals frequently found in samples of Wisconsin drinking water include lead and arsenic. Exposure to these substances can have a detrimental effect on a child’s developing brain and body.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are “forever chemicals” that may cause cancer. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), evaluated PFOA as a human carcinogen and PFOS as a possible human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can have serious health implications, including an increased risk of cancer.

PFAS water contamination is a concern throughout the state of Wisconsin. Unsafe levels of these chemicals 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*

*Represents condition our firm is accepting cases for

Lead

In addition to PFAS, water in Wisconsin also contained concerning levels of lead and arsenic. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can be devastating for a child. Lead poisoning can affect a child’s developing brain. Testing of water sources in Wisconsin found lead levels exceeding the state’s recommended safe levels of 5 parts per billion. Antiquated pipes in thousands of homes mean that lead contamination is likely to continue. Replacing the lead will be difficult and costly.

Current Water Quality in Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin has set PFAS standards for PFOA and PFOS at 70 parts per trillion. Despite a move by the federal government to reduce acceptable levels of PFAS in drinking water supplies, Wisconsin law remains at 70 ppt.

Water Treatment Efforts in Wisconsin

Wisconsin lawmakers have made several efforts to treat water contaminated with PFAS. In February 2024, the EPA announced $120 million in funding for upgrades to the state’s drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The funding would help to modernize the state’s outdated pipes and filtration systems. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has also implemented several initiatives aimed at improving water quality in the state, including the establishment of monitoring and testing programs.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water in Wisconsin

Drinking water contaminated with PFAS in Wisconsin has been linked to several devastating health conditions, including an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer. Wisconsin residents who have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, or another long-term illness may be eligible for compensation and should speak to an attorney as early in the process 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 Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawsuit

Individuals filing a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit must meet certain eligibility criteria for filing a case with King Law. The best way to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements is by speaking to the attorney. An attorney can ensure you have all necessary documents prior to filing.

Eligibility criteria for a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit:

Qualifying Injury: Individuals must have been diagnosed with a qualifying injury. The injury must be related to PFAS exposure or contaminated water. The following illnesses related to PFAS may qualify for a lawsuit:

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

Proof of Residency: Qualifying plaintiffs will be able to prove they were living in Wisconsin and in a contaminated area for at least 1 year.

Length of Exposure: Successful claimants will be able to prove substantial length of exposure to contaminated water, including living or working on a military base.

Evidence: To file a claim, plaintiffs will need to gather evidence. Evidence may include a comprehensive set of medical records, environmental studies, and proof of out-of-pocket losses.

It is important to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case.

Wisconsin Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Potential payouts in a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit are expected to range between $30,000 and $300,000, depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors. An attorney can help determine the potential value of a case. It is important to work with your attorney to provide all necessary documents to support your claim.

To qualify for compensation, you must meet all eligibility requirements, including having lived in Wisconsin for at least 1 year during the contamination period, having a qualifying illness, and being able to prove PFAS exposure. Qualifying illnesses include certain kinds of cancers, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis.

It is critical to remember that a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit may take several months to a year or more to resolve. An attorney can help to provide guidance throughout the legal process and provide a realistic timeframe for how long your case may take to conclude.

How to File a Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawsuit

There are several steps to file a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit. It is imperative to follow these steps and heed the guidance of an attorney to ensure the best possible chance of success.

Steps for filing a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit:

• Consult with an attorney: The first step in a Wisconsin water contamination lawsuit is consulting with an attorney. An attorney will review your claim to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements necessary to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will be filing a federal lawsuit, so they do not need to reside in your state.
• Gather documentation: Once the eligibility requirements have been met, you will need to gather the necessary evidence to substantiate your claim. This evidence may include a comprehensive set of your medical records, proof of lost wages, personal statements about how the illness impacted your quality of life, and expert testimony.
• File the claim: Once the evidence is collected, your attorney will file the claim in the appropriate courthouse. Before filing, your attorney will review the case to ensure that all legal deadlines are met and that the claim is filed within the statute of limitations.
• Pre-trial and trial: After filing, the claim will go through a lengthy process known as the discovery phase. During the discovery phase, both parties are given the opportunity to review evidence and interview witnesses. If a settlement cannot be reached, the matter may be set for trial.

Evidence to Support Your WI Water Contamination Claim:

To file a successful Wisconsin water contamination claim you need substantial evidence. Evidence helps to strengthen or bolster your case. Without the proper evidence, your claim for compensation may be denied. Your attorney will work on your behalf to collect some evidence, and you will be required to provide documentation specific to your circumstances.

Evidence that may be helpful in a Wisconsin water contamination claim:

• A comprehensive set of medical records
• Expert testimony about how PFAS contamination may cause illnesses
• Proof of residency
• Proof of exposure
• Personal statements
• Witness statements about the impact the illness has had to your quality of life
• Income verification
• Expert testimony
• Environmental studies

Statute of Limitations for Wisconsin Water Contamination Claims

Under most circumstances, a person affected by water contamination will have 3 years to file a claim based on personal injury. The statute of limitations begins when the injury is or should have been discovered. Statutes of limitations can be complex and should be handled by an experienced attorney. Failure to file within the state-specific statute of limitation could result in your claim being denied. The amount of time you have to file may differ depending on the circumstances of the case. An attorney can help navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the largest possible recovery.

Wisconsin Water Contamination Lawyers

Individuals diagnosed with an illness after being exposed to contaminated water in Wisconsin are encouraged to seek legal representation. The attorneys at King Law will provide the personalized counsel you need and deserve. Our legal team is well-versed in water contamination claims and will not rest until you get the best possible outcome in your case. Contact our office now to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)