In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized long-awaited regulations limiting PFAS concentrations in public drinking water systems. These new standards set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA and PFOS—two of the most studied PFAS compounds—at just 4 parts per trillion (ppt), underscoring how toxic even trace amounts of these chemicals can be. These federal limits followed growing scientific consensus and public concern over PFAS contamination in communities across the country, including many in Texas.
With these regulations in place, municipalities, water authorities, and private well users have begun testing for PFAS at higher rates—often discovering widespread contamination tied to decades of industrial discharge, fire training exercises using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), and leaching from landfills and manufacturing sites. In many cases, public water systems have been compelled to invest millions of dollars in remediation efforts, including the installation of carbon filtration systems and reverse osmosis systems, in order to comply with EPA standards and provide clean, safe water.
In response, lawsuits have surged against chemical manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and other corporations involved in the production or use of PFAS chemicals. Plaintiffs, ranging from local governments to individuals injured, are seeking compensation for property damage, medical monitoring, personal injury, and the extensive costs of cleanup and compliance. Many cases allege failure to warn, negligence, fraudulent concealment, and public nuisance, with some claims being consolidated into multi-district litigation (MDL) for more efficient resolution.
For individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated water—especially those diagnosed with conditions such as kidney or testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, or reproductive issues—this litigation offers a pathway to accountability and compensation. For law firms like Freese & Goss, based in Dallas, the rise of PFAS litigation presents a critical opportunity to stand up for affected Texans through experienced, aggressive mass tort representation.
