As public awareness of PFAS contamination grows, cities across the United States are being named in a rising wave of class action lawsuits targeting water systems, chemical manufacturers, and local governments. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are linked to serious health problems and are turning into one of the most pressing environmental and legal issues of 2025.
This blog identifies the top U.S. cities currently facing PFAS class action litigation, explains why they’ve been affected, and outlines what legal remedies are available to residents.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They a Legal Issue?
PFAS are synthetic compounds used in a wide range of consumer and industrial products, including:
- Firefighting foam (AFFF)
- Nonstick cookware
- Water-repellent clothing
- Food packaging
- Industrial lubricants
These chemicals do not break down naturally and can persist in the environment—and in the human body—for decades. Exposure has been linked to:
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Liver and thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- High cholesterol
- Immune system suppression
- Developmental delays in children
As studies confirm widespread contamination of public water systems, affected cities are filing or facing class action lawsuits seeking cleanup costs and damages for residents.
1. Wilmington, North Carolina
Contaminant: GenX and other PFAS compounds
Key Defendant: Chemours and DuPont
Wilmington has been one of the most publicized PFAS hotspots in the U.S. After a 2017 investigation revealed GenX and other toxic substances in the Cape Fear River, local outrage surged. A class action lawsuit against Chemours and DuPont alleges these companies knowingly discharged PFAS into the river—contaminating the water supply of over 200,000 residents.
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Contaminant: PFOS and PFOA
Key Defendant: 3M and Wolverine Worldwide
Ann Arbor has experienced PFAS contamination in both drinking water and the Huron River. The city filed lawsuits against multiple companies, including 3M, which manufactured firefighting foams and Scotchgard. Wolverine Worldwide has also been targeted for its tannery waste, which allegedly polluted nearby groundwater.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Contaminant: AFFF-related PFAS
Key Defendant: U.S. Department of Defense and 3M
Colorado Springs is home to several military facilities, including Peterson Air Force Base, where firefighting foam was used extensively. The resulting contamination has affected wells and water systems in surrounding communities such as Fountain, Widefield, and Security. Thousands of residents have joined class action suits alleging health damages and property devaluation.
4. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Contaminant: AFFF used at Pease Air Force Base
Key Defendant: 3M, Tyco Fire Products, U.S. Government
Pease International Tradeport, a former Air Force base, is the epicenter of PFAS litigation in New Hampshire. Children and adults exposed to tainted water at daycares and housing units have reported elevated blood levels of PFAS. Affected families are seeking damages for health monitoring and long-term medical care.
5. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Contaminant: Industrial PFAS runoff into Lake Michigan
Key Defendant: Johnson Controls, Tyco, and 3M
PFAS found in Milwaukee’s waterways have sparked both city and private lawsuits. Johnson Controls, which tested and discharged firefighting foam near its facilities, has faced heavy criticism. Residents living near these sites allege that contaminated groundwater has impacted their homes, health, and property value.
6. Sacramento, California
Contaminant: PFAS from firefighting foam and landfill sites
Key Defendant: Waste management companies, local municipalities
The discovery of high PFAS levels in well water and groundwater in Sacramento County prompted state investigations and potential legal action. As California adopts stricter PFAS testing and limits, more lawsuits are being filed on behalf of residents in suburban and rural communities affected by historical landfill use and military activity.
7. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Contaminant: PFAS-contaminated firefighting foam
Key Defendant: U.S. Military and Foam Manufacturers
PFAS use at military bases in Bucks and Montgomery counties has impacted thousands. Several townships have already filed lawsuits against chemical manufacturers and the federal government. Residents are concerned not just about cancer risks but also long-term property devaluation and environmental remediation costs.
8. Oscoda, Michigan
Contaminant: AFFF from Wurtsmith Air Force Base
Key Defendant: U.S. Air Force and 3M
One of the earliest PFAS contamination sites identified in Michigan, Oscoda’s residents have struggled for years to get cleanup and compensation. The Department of Defense is now facing lawsuits alleging negligence in managing PFAS releases, with claims from both civilians and veterans living in the area.
9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Contaminant: Firefighting foam contamination of public wells
Key Defendant: Tyco Fire Products, Chemguard
Communities on Cape Cod have seen PFAS levels in public wells far exceeding federal advisory limits. Several towns have taken legal action to recover costs for water treatment systems and are seeking damages to cover medical monitoring for potentially affected residents.
10. Newburgh, New York
Contaminant: Stewart Air National Guard Base use of AFFF
Key Defendant: U.S. Department of Defense and 3M
In 2016, Newburgh declared a state of emergency after PFAS was found in its drinking water. The contamination was traced back to firefighting foam used at the nearby Air National Guard base. Class action lawsuits have been filed for both personal injury and property damage.
Legal Rights for Residents in Affected Cities
If you live in or near one of the cities listed above—or any other area with documented PFAS contamination—you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit. Here’s what that typically involves:
1. Eligibility Criteria:
- Residence or work in a contaminated area
- Use of affected water supply (municipal or private well)
- Medical diagnosis linked to PFAS (cancer, thyroid disease, etc.)
- Proof of property damage due to contamination
2. Types of Compensation Available:
| Damage Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Current and future treatment for PFAS-linked illnesses |
| Property Devaluation | Loss in home value due to known contamination |
| Emotional Distress | Anxiety, trauma, or lifestyle impact from toxic exposure |
| Water Treatment Costs | Installation of filters or new systems |
| Medical Monitoring | Costs of regular health screenings over time |
3. How to Join a PFAS Lawsuit:
- Contact a law firm specializing in environmental or mass tort litigation
- Join an existing class action or initiate an individual claim
- Submit documentation of residency, exposure, and health issues
Final Thoughts
PFAS contamination is no longer just a scientific or political issue—it’s a personal one affecting real communities across the country. As class action lawsuits gain momentum in 2025, residents in cities like Wilmington, Colorado Springs, and Philadelphia are finally beginning to see accountability.
If you believe your water, health, or property has been impacted by PFAS, now is the time to learn your rights and take legal action. With billions in potential settlements already underway, your claim could bring both justice and financial relief.