California Water Contamination Lawsuits [2025 Update]

For decades, California’s water supplies have been contaminated by chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are used in industrial, military, civilian, and agricultural settings. Oil refineries and other industries have also polluted water with arsenic and selenium.

After years of exposure to these substances, military members and civilians are becoming sick with diseases like thyroid, kidney, prostate, testicular, and liver cancer. There is a concerning and documented link between contaminated water and the cancers they are experiencing.

Californians have also discovered that many organizations have been knowingly polluting drinking water with PFAS, but those organizations chose not to disclose this. Instead, evidence suggests that many of them actively hid it from the public and the government. Armed with this information, Californians are filing water contamination lawsuits to hold these companies accountable for their actions. California and federal authorities are also standing firmly behind the people of this state and are enacting laws and regulations to help curb PFAS exposure and protect the public

Why Are People Filing Water Contamination Lawsuits in California?

Californians are filing lawsuits because they developed cancer and other diseases after years of drinking water they did not know was contaminated with forever chemicals. Leaked documents suggest that companies that do business in California knew that they were using PFAS and that those PFAS were entering the soil and waterways. Many believe that scientists and decision-makers within these companies also knew how dangerous PFAS were to human health. Instead of taking steps to reduce their PFAS emissions or warning about these harms, the companies kept this information secret, putting thousands at risk of developing cancer.

Victims who lived in California, drank polluted water, and were diagnosed with PFAS-related cancers are filing lawsuits to recover much-deserved compensation. People are also filing wrongful death claims if they lost loved ones to cancers they believe were caused by toxins in their loved ones’ drinking water.

Timeline of Water Contamination and Regulations Affecting California | 2025 Update

May 27, 2025: Public Health Goal Requested for Another PFAS Found in California’s Water Supply

California’s State Water Board has proposed adding goals to reduce the levels of another PFAS, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), in California’s environment. According to the letter sent by the State Water Board, PFHxS can harm unborn babies, young children, and newborns. They also believe this substance can cause problems with how someone’s immune system, thyroid, and liver work. Adding PFHxS to the list of regulated substances is an important step toward keeping Californians safe. 

April 28, 2025: EPA Announces Plan to Track and Remove PFAS from the Water

The EPA unveiled a new action plan to remove PFAS from the water, air, and soil in the United States. Part of this new plan includes holding companies accountable for polluting the environment and making Americans sick. Additionally, the plan begins with creating a new department head who will be in charge of overseeing PFAS monitoring and response procedures. The EPA will also strengthen the scientific research about how PFAS get into the environment and cause people to develop cancers and different diseases. 

January 3, 2025: EPA Adds Nine More Types of PFAS to the List of Monitored Chemicals

The EPA requires companies to notify the EPA annually about its use of certain chemicals if they use them at levels above a set rate. The list of chemicals is called a Toxics Release Inventory. The EPA has added 9 more PFAS to the Toxics Release Inventory. Going forward, companies will have to submit an annual report to the EPA about how and in what quantities they use these PFAS. The EPA can then use this information to track contamination and help to proactively take steps to reduce it. 

January 1, 2025: California Bill Takes Effect that Bans Certain Textiles and Fabrics with PFAS in Them

California became the first state to prevent businesses from selling or making fabrics with PFAS in them. The Safer Clothes and Textiles Act went into effect on January 1, 2025, and is an important step forward in protecting Californians from the known dangers of forever chemicals. As reported by the watchdog group, Renegade Plastics, in years past, California had made it illegal for companies to use PFAS in children’s toys and some types of food packaging. This new law builds on this momentum and promises to help curb the impact of these dangerous substances. 

August 23, 2019: California State Water Board Sets Notification Level for PFAS in Water Starting January 2020

The State Water Board increased its efforts to reduce contamination from PFAS by lowering the level that would trigger a notification response for two types of PFAS, PFOS and PFOA. A notification response event encourages water suppliers to monitor and take steps to lower the PFAS in the water supplies, such as by upgrading filtration methods. The new limit is 5.1 parts per trillion for PFOA and 7.6 parts per trillion for PFOS, which are about half of what the previous limit was. 

November 9, 2017: California Government Adds PFAS to List of Toxic Substances under Proposition 65

Recognizing the substantial dangers of PFAS, California authorities added PFAS to the list of chemicals known to cause reproductive and other harm. Under Proposition 65, businesses are required to warn the public (typically, by putting a sign or label) if they are using a substance on the list. PFAS joins lead, arsenic, and other chemicals that people should be warned about in water supplies and consumer goods.

What Are the Sources of Drinking Water Contamination in California?

Many different human actions have caused California’s waterways to become polluted with PFAS. For example, military bases and airports used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to put out liquid fuel fires. Industrial plants have used PFAS to manufacture goods (like non-stick cookware and waterproof activewear. Despite California’s strides toward eco-friendly farming, many commercial farmers have dumped PFAS into the water and soil because of the fertilizers they use.

California is also a central hub for many oil refineries, shipping companies, and manufacturing plants. Many of these businesses use PFAS in their operations, which can be released into the environment and quickly contaminate water supplies. According to EPA’s online testing data, over a dozen counties in California have levels of PFAS in their water systems that are over the federal health advisory limit. Some of the affected counties include San Bernardino, Santa Clara, Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Sacramento.

Water Contamination From Military Installations

Many military bases have water that is contaminated with forever chemicals and other pollutants. According to an official Defense Department website, here are some of the current military operation sites in California: 

• Beale AFB
• Camp Parks and Pendleton
• Defense Distribution Depot San Joaquin
• Edwards AFB
• Fort Hunter Liggett and Fort Irwin
• Los Angeles SFB
• March ARB
• Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and Mountain Warfare Training Center 
• MCLB Barstow
• MCRD San Diego
• Naval Air Facility El Centro, Station Lemoore, and Weapons Station China Lake
• Naval Base Coronado, Point Loma, San Diego, and Ventura County (Point Mugu and Port Hueneme)
• Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
• Presidio of Monterey (DLI/FLC)
• Travis Air Force Base
• Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC)
• USAREC, Los Angeles Battalion, Southern California Battalion, US Army Battalion Central California, and US Army Recruiting Battalion Northern California
• Vandenberg SFB
• 129 RQW
• 144th FW
• 146 AW
• 163 ATKW

Many of these military installations have used AFFF firefighting foams, which can be hazardous to human health. For example, here are some recent test results showing PFAS contamination on California military sites:

• Concord NWS (2022): 2,150 ppt for PFOS; 2,920 ppt of PFHxS
• Beale Air Force Base (2017): 7,125 ppt of PFOS and PFOA; 7,100 ppt of PFOA
• Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (2017): 8,000,000 ppt of PFOA and PFOS
• Lemoore CA NAS (2022): 14,000 ppt PFOA; 4,700 ppt PFHxS
• Castle Air Force Base (2020): 2,300 ppt PFOS 

Despite the federal ban on using AFFF, some military installations still use it on their bases because they have not found a suitable alternative. (This is currently allowed under the federal ban.)

Water Contamination From Airports

California’s airports also used AFFF products to put out liquid jet fuel fires efficiently. Unfortunately, this use released PFAS into the environment because of the runoff it left behind, which leached into the surrounding soil and water. The nearby groundwater supply would then become contaminated with PFAS that could harm unsuspecting Californians. 

Water Contamination From Industrial Activities

Industrial activities, such as textile factories, automotive plants, and other manufacturing operations, are also thought to have released harmful substances into California’s drinking water. For example, Electro-Coatings of California and Teikuro Corporation were called out in 2017 because they were knowingly dumping poisons (PFAS) into drinking water sources. Recology, a waste disposal company, also faced legal action from the government because of how it was polluting the environment. The end result is that thousands of Californians have been exposed to carcinogens and neurotoxins they did not know were in their tap water. 

Water Contamination From Oil Refineries

California is a central location for dozens of oil refineries, some of which have come under fire because they have knowingly pumped toxic waste into California’s waterways. For example, the Environmental Integrity Project reported that the Chevron El Segundo Refinery had released dangerously high levels of selenium into California’s environment.

What Are Some of the Contaminants in California’s Drinking Water?

Even though California has a reputation for being “green,” water pollution is a real issue facing residents. California’s coastline has made the state an important location for military bases, textile companies, oil refineries, and other organizations. However, many of these activities have contaminated drinking water supplies. Some agencies and businesses have carelessly or even knowingly pumped toxic waste into California’s water streams. Two prominent types of contamination in California’s water supplies are PFAS (forever chemicals) and arsenic. 

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in California’s Drinking Water

A major contaminant in California’s drinking water is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are also known as forever chemicals or by their acronym PFAS. These human-made chemicals have been in use since the 1940s. They are widely used because they repel water and do not change their composition when they contact water. Common applications for PFAS include making non-stick kitchen items (like plastic containers and non-stick pans), AFFF firefighting foam, Teflon, and waterproof activewear. 

Once PFAS are in the environment and in someone’s body, they can stay for many years, and our body has no way of breaking these compounds down. Scientific research dating back to the mid-1900s notes that PFAS are highly dangerous and can significantly increase someone’s risk of cancers of the kidneys, liver, testicles, liver, and thyroid. PFAS have also been linked to thyroid and liver diseases and are known to disrupt how someone’s immune system works. 

Because they are used in virtually all parts of American lives, these forever chemicals have polluted nearly every water source across the country. However, drinking water on or near military installations and factories is typically known to have a higher concentration of PFAS than other regions. 

Arsenic in California’s Drinking Water

Despite the known risks of arsenic to human health, arsenic is still found in drinking water supplies throughout California. Part of the reason for this is that many oil companies, shipping businesses, and manufacturing organizations operate out of California because it has so many ports, airports, and major highways that run through it. 

Arsenic is highly toxic and is known to cause cancer. According to the Environmental Working Group, about 1,482 of California’s water systems have more than the recommended maximum of arsenic in them, which puts 54,538,933 people at risk.

How Do I Know If My Drinking Water is Contaminated?

If you are curious about what is in your water, you have several options to check the quality of your drinking water in California. A good first start is to look online for water quality reports published by the public utility that services your area. Another option is to contact your local public health or water department directly to see where you can find water quality reports for your neighborhood. The Environmental Working Group also has an online database of many tap water reports in California. 

What are the Drinking Water Regulations in California?

California has a number of state laws and agency regulations in place to protect its citizens from harmful drinking water. These laws include rules about what licenses a business needs to run a water treatment plant, how water is tested and recycled, and what can be put into water supplies. California State also regulates the levels of different toxins, like PFAS, lead, and arsenic, that can be in water supplies. 

California has taken steps to reduce PFAS in the water by setting Public Health Goals for different categories of forever chemicals. For example, California’s Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment has set a Public Health Goal of 0.007 ppt of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in drinking water supplies. In contrast, the Environmental Protection Agency has set 4 ppt as the maximum contaminant level for PFOA, with a long-term goal of 0 ppt of PFOA. The EPA and California’s OEHHA have also chosen PFAS limits that trigger either a notification or response procedure. 

What Parts of California Have the Most Polluted Water?

California’s State Water Resources Control Board publishes the testing data for the hundreds of  water supplies throughout the state. According to this government-run organization, 398 wells were failing the Human Right to Water (HR2W) standards in June 2025. These include the areas in and around San Francisco, Los Angeles, Visalia, Fresno, San Jose, and Bakersfield. The Board estimates that these failing wells serve nearly 850,000 people. 

The Board cautions that over 600 wells are in the “at-risk” category, meaning they are on the borderline of failing the HR2W water criteria. About 1.6 million people access drinking water from these at-risk wells. Another 198 wells have not been assessed, leaving millions of people in the dark about whether the water they are drinking may make them sick or not.  

What Actions Has California Taken To Address Water Quality Issues?

In 2012, California became the first state to recognize access to clean drinking water as a fundamental human right. Since then, California regulators have taken additional steps to help achieve the goal of providing Californians with drinking water that is safe and as free from contaminants as possible. For example, the State Water Board has passed regulations about how much of specific contaminants can be in public water supplies, and the Board publishes well water testing data each year. In making these strides, California hopes to increase transparency and safety, with the long-term goal of Californians not having to worry about whether something in their water is going to cause them to develop cancer or another type of disease. 

What Are the Health Risks of Drinking Contaminated Water In California?

Many studies have confirmed that drinking water that is contaminated with PFAS and other toxins can have serious impacts on someone’s physical health. For example, a 2025 study found that people who were exposed to PFAS in their drinking water were up to 33% more likely to have cancer in their “digestive, endocrine, oral cavity/pharynx, and respiratory systems.” PFAS are also associated with significantly higher rates of kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) and a 56% higher chance of thyroid cancer. Researchers have also discovered that U.S. Air Force servicemen with a high amount of PFAS in their bodies have an elevated risk of testicular cancer. 

Given that about 64% of California’s population has PFAS in their publicly-provided drinking water, these studies are particularly concerning. Residents can protect themselves by researching their neighborhood’s water quality reports and buying filters or using safer alternatives to the tap water in their homes. Residents may also benefit from tracking their health and noting any unusual changes to their body, coordination, voice, or energy levels. Because not every form of cancer will cause immediate and obvious symptoms early on, it is important for people to have regular checkups with their doctors. 

Am I Eligible to File A Lawsuit if I Drank Contaminated Water In California?

Here are some of the eligibility criteria that people need to meet to request compensation: 

• Exposure Duration: The person needs to have lived or worked in a contaminated area in California for at least 1 year. Service members can meet this requirement if they were stationed at a known contamination site in California for at least 6 months. 
• Diagnosis: The victim needs to have been diagnosed with kidney, liver, thyroid, or testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, or thyroid disease. 
• Documentation: The victim should have documents proving their exposure to PFAS in their drinking water, their California residency, and their diagnosis of a PFAS-related condition named above.  

Developing a claim for compensation begins with discovering if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. Our legal partners can help you determine if you meet the requirements and assist you with the process of filing and defending a lawsuit.

How Much Is a California Water Contamination Lawsuit Worth?

California water contamination lawsuits could result in settlements up to $30,000 to $300,000 or more; however, this may not be the result in every case. Settlements and jury verdicts are made based on the factors at play in that specific victim’s case. So, victims who experienced severe or life-altering complications after exposure to PFAS in their tap water may receive higher payouts than those with minor injuries. However, there are exceptions that may influence the financial award available to the victim. 

To secure the chance to fight for a fair settlement, victims should make sure to have high-quality evidence and file before the deadline expires. A reputable lawyer can review a victim’s evidence and determine the value of their potential payout. 

If I File a Lawsuit, Would I Receive a Settlement?

If you file a lawsuit against those who polluted your drinking water, you may be able to receive a settlement. Many California victims who join federal lawsuits against manufacturers and industrial plants get an opportunity to negotiate a fair settlement. Knowledgeable attorneys can assist victims with this process and review proposed offers to settle that they receive from the at-fault businesses. 

How Can I File a Water Contamination Lawsuit in California?

Filing a California water contamination lawsuit begins with discovering whether you have a legal claim. One way to accomplish this is to hire a seasoned personal injury lawyer who has experience going up against large corporations, like those that contaminated drinking water in California. They can help you locate and appropriately use key evidence, like scientific studies, your property records, and your medical documentation, to shape a strong case for compensation. Because water contamination lawsuits are often brought in federal court for technical reasons, you do not need to hire a lawyer from California to handle your case.  

Once your attorney has all the required background information, they can write and submit the legal complaint, which is the document that opens the lawsuit. After these papers are filed and the at-fault corporation is served, discovery will begin. At this stage of the case, each side is taking steps to learn more about the source of contamination, its impact, why the corporation is at fault, and what damages you are seeking. 

Then, your legal team will try to negotiate a fair settlement with the other side. If these talks are successful and the attorney reaches a fair financial deal, you will sign the agreement and receive a payout. If your attorney and the opponent cannot reach a reasonable out-of-court result, then you may decide to hold a full trial. If you win the trial, you may get a damages award (either a judgment or a verdict). However, if you do not win a favorable outcome, you can challenge this decision in a formal appeal. 

What Evidence Will I Need to File My Claim?

You can strengthen your California water contamination case by gathering robust evidence to prove that you were harmed by your drinking water. Here is a list of evidence you may need to support your claim for compensation:

• Medical documents to show your health before and after the PFAS exposure
• Water quality test reports to prove there was PFAS in your drinking water
• Property records to show that you lived in California for the required amount of time to qualify
• Military records to show where you were stationed in California and for how long (if applicable)
• Scientific research that establishes a link between forever chemicals and your diagnosis
• Studies or evidence showing that companies were releasing PFAS into the water, air, or soil around your neighborhood

An attorney can help you determine what other sources of proof you may need to construct a strong California PFAS contamination case. Your attorney will also gather some of this evidence.

What is the Deadline to File a Claim Related to CA’s Drinking Water?

You must file your California drinking water claim within a certain period of time, which is referred to as the statute of limitations. The filing deadline depends on different factors, including when you were diagnosed with a PFAS-related condition and when you learned PFAS exposure might have caused that condition. The type of injuries you experienced can also impact when the deadline begins. It is important to start the lawsuit before the due date; otherwise, you risk losing out on compensation you would be entitled to if you had filed on time. A water contamination lawyer can help you understand what California’s updated filing rules are and take steps on your behalf to meet those. 

How Do I Hire a Lawyer to File My California Water Contamination Lawsuit?

If you think contaminants in your California drinking water caused your cancer or health condition, you may qualify for damages. Recent reports have revealed that many companies have been knowingly polluting California’s water supply with PFAS, lead, and other toxins. As a result, dozens of Californians are filing lawsuits to recover compensation they believe is rightfully theirs. 

Our legal partners proudly fight for Californians who have cancer and other diseases because of the toxins in their drinking water. We believe that everyone should have access to clean drinking water, and we welcome the chance to help victims secure justice. Because California PFAS lawsuits are often filed in federal court, victims can hire an attorney even if the lawyer is not in California. Contact us today to schedule a free case review and discover how we can help you and your loved ones. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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