In what may become the largest environmental settlement in American history, more than $13.6 billion is available to public water systems contaminated by PFAS—the synthetic "forever chemicals" linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and immune system damage. But with critical filing deadlines in January and July 2026, many eligible communities risk missing out.
The settlements, negotiated with major manufacturers including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, aim to help water utilities pay for testing, treatment, and remediation of PFAS contamination. For water systems that act in time, the funds could cover millions of dollars in otherwise unrecoverable costs.
Understanding PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s in everything from nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foam and food packaging. Their carbon-fluorine bonds make them virtually indestructible in the environment—earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."
PFAS have been detected in the blood of 98% of Americans tested. Exposure has been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, reproductive problems, and weakened vaccine response in children. When these chemicals contaminate drinking water supplies, the health implications for entire communities can be severe.
The Settlement Landscape
The available funds come from several major settlements:
- 3M Settlement: Up to $12.5 billion, announced in June 2023, to settle claims from public water systems whose supplies were contaminated
- DuPont/Chemours/Corteva Settlement: $1.18 billion for drinking water providers, also announced in 2023
- BASF Settlement: $312.5 million in a class action with public water systems (2024)
- Tyco Fire Systems Settlement: $750 million (2024)
Additional settlements continue to be announced. New Jersey recently reached a $2 billion agreement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva over environmental contamination.
Critical Deadlines Approaching
Water systems must meet strict deadlines to participate in these settlements:
- January 1, 2026: Deadline for Phase Two Water Systems to submit Claims Forms for certain settlements
- July 31, 2026: Final deadline to file claims against the 3M fund
These dates are non-negotiable. Water systems that miss the deadlines will likely be permanently barred from claiming settlement funds, regardless of the severity of their contamination.
"PFAS settlement money for water utilities is poised to evaporate if action isn't taken," warned one environmental advocacy group. "Many smaller water systems don't even know they're eligible."
Who Is Eligible
Generally, any public water system that has detected PFAS contamination—or that has had to spend money testing for PFAS—may be eligible for settlement funds. This includes municipal water utilities, special districts, and some private water companies that serve public customers.
The settlements typically cover:
- Testing and monitoring costs
- Treatment system installation
- Ongoing treatment operations
- Source remediation
- Alternative water supply development
What Water Systems Should Do Now
Experts recommend that water systems take immediate steps:
- Review testing results: Determine whether PFAS has been detected at any level in your system
- Consult legal counsel: Environmental attorneys specializing in PFAS litigation can assess eligibility and handle filings
- Gather documentation: Compile records of all PFAS-related testing, treatment, and expenditures
- Act before deadlines: Submit claims well in advance of the July 2026 final deadline to allow time for any corrections
The Regulatory Landscape
The settlement funds arrive as the regulatory environment for PFAS remains unsettled. The EPA established national PFAS drinking water standards in April 2024, but the current administration proposed rolling back key elements of those rules in May 2025.
Regardless of federal regulatory changes, many states have implemented their own PFAS limits, and water systems remain responsible for addressing contamination to protect public health. Settlement funds can help offset the substantial costs of compliance—but only for those who claim them in time.
The Broader Implications
For taxpayers and ratepayers, the PFAS settlements represent a rare opportunity to shift cleanup costs from local communities to the companies responsible for contamination. Without these funds, water systems would face the choice of passing costs to ratepayers through higher bills, diverting money from other infrastructure needs, or leaving contamination unaddressed.
The clock is ticking. Water systems that haven't yet engaged with the settlement process should do so immediately—before the opportunity to recover billions in contamination costs slips away.
