New York Water Contamination Lawsuits [2025 Update]

Many of New York State’s drinking water supplies have been contaminated, resulting in lawsuits filed by civilians. This contamination is the result of pollutant discharges, farm runoff, ongoing challenges with modernizing aging systems, and other sources. The subject of many water contamination lawsuits in New York are PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These environmentally persistent chemicals can cause serious illnesses like cancer and thyroid dysfunction. Injured parties are filing lawsuits against polluters to address the damages they have suffered.

Why Are People Filing Water Contamination Lawsuits in New York?

People are filing water contamination lawsuits after consuming contaminated water in New York and developing an associated disease. These lawsuits are filed against chemical manufacturers for their role in water pollution, including side-stepping regulations.

While long-standing drinking water regulations in New York may address contaminants like lead and copper, some contaminants, like PFAS, have relatively new monitoring standards. Many people may not realize these compounds have caused their illnesses.

PFAS regulations are either new or still being rolled out. New York has been more proactive than most states, but MCLs (maximum contaminant levels) for PFAS were only passed in 2020, with full implementation expected in 2025. Around half of the Empire State’s public drinking water systems have detectable levels of PFAS, the result of contamination from military bases, airports, industrial activities, and agricultural activities. 

Individuals who have suffered an injury as a result of water contamination, or their surviving family members, may be able to hold the polluter liable and receive compensation for their suffering by filing a lawsuit against the companies who make PFAS.

Timeline of Water Contamination and Regulations Affecting New York | 2025 Update

June 2025: The New York State Assembly passes a bill to put a five-year moratorium on the use of sewage sludge. This product, also known as biosludge or biosolids, is used by many farmers in New York State to fertilize their fields and help communities dispose of treated sewage. However, it can contain high levels of PFAS and contaminate surrounding public and private water supplies. The bill is not law yet.

May 2025: The EPA announces it will be retaining previously proposed MCL regulations on PFOS and PFOA, two of the most dangerous PFAS. Federally mandated testing will begin in 2027, with enforcement by 2029. The MCL on these chemicals will be 4 ppt (parts per trillion). 

March 2025: After years of water contamination, Hoosick Falls, NY, successfully completes a new line to a cleaner water source.

March 2025: Drums containing toxic chemicals that were discovered under Bethpage Community Park, a former Northrop Grumman site, in 2024 are removed. 

January 2025: President Trump signs an executive order rolling back proposed EPA regulations on PFAS in drinking water. 

April 2024: The EPA proposes federal drinking water regulations on PFAS, setting a limit of 4 ppt.

2020: New York State sets a state-level regulation of MCL of 10 ppt for PFOS and PFOA with full implementation expected by 2025.

November 2019: An investigation of cancer hotspots in New York finds elevated levels of bladder cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, and thyroid cancer in Centereach, Farmingville, and Selden in Suffolk County, though the study does not link these directly to PFAS contamination at the time.

2019: A national study exploring the effects of PFAS on health includes the City of Newburgh and the Village of Hoosick Falls. The study found an association with PFOS contamination and high blood pressure.

June 2016: Newburgh switches its water source from PFAS-contaminated Lake Washington to the Catskill Aqueduct, one of the systems providing water to New York City at an estimated cost of $230,000 per month.

2016: New York becomes the first state to regulate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances, requiring proper storage and limited environmental releases. 1986: A Nassau County Department of Health and U.S. Geological Study discovers a toxic plume emanating from the former Northrop Grumman site. This plume has since been associated with a variety of different contaminants in Long Island’s groundwater, including PFAS and chromium, the result of underground waste disposal dating back to World War 2.

What Are the Sources of Drinking Water Contamination in New York?

Water contamination in New York can have many sources. Though New York currently has stricter environmental regulations than many states, it also has a history of pollution. Firefighting foam, once used on military bases and airports to put out chemical fires, can contaminate groundwater with PFAS. Aging pipes can leak lead and copper into drinking water at the building level. Even chemicals used to purify water can end up forming harmful byproducts. 

Municipalities near military bases and old industrial sites in New York are particularly vulnerable to water contamination, though the state’s aging infrastructure presents risks in both rural and urban areas. 

Water Contamination From Military Installations

Military bases are among the biggest sources of PFAS contamination thanks to the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) throughout the 20th century. 

Military installations in New York include: Fort Drum, Fort Hamilton, Naval Support Activity Saratoga Springs, USAREC Albany Battalion, USAREC New York City Battalion, USAREC Syracuse Battalion, 105 AW, 106 RQW, 107 ATKW, 109AW, 174 ATKW, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Gerry Reserve Center, Horsehead TNG Site, Defense Fuel Support Point Verona, Griffiss Air Force Base, Schenectady Airport, Stewart International Airport, West Point Military Reservation, Camp Smith, Watervliet Arsenal, Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Bethpage NY NWIRP, Calverton NWIRP, and Gabreski Air National Guard Base. 

Sites with significant PFOS and/or PFOA contamination include:

• Hancock Field Air National Guard Base (2019): 139,500 ppt for PFOS and PFOA
• Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (2018): 1,310,000 for PFOS and PFOA
• Griffiss Air Force Base (2018): 28,100 for PFOS and PFOA
• Seneca Army Depot (2018): 89,000 ppt for PFOA
• Gabreski Air National Guard Base (2019-2020): 220,000 ppt for PFOA

Water Contamination From Airports

Airports, many of which double as military sites, have also been a big source of PFAS contamination over the years, also due to the use of AFFF to fight fires on site. Airports like Stewart International Airport have contaminated drinking water in their vicinity, forcing communities like Newburgh to switch their drinking water sources at substantial cost. 

Water Contamination From Industrial Activities

Industrial and agricultural activities can introduce contaminants into water supplies through waste discharges or run-off. The type of pollution varies by industry but may include heavy metals, PFAS, and nitrates. 

Water Contamination From Water Treatment

Among the most common forms of water contamination in New York and other states are trihalomethanes (TTHMs), volatile compounds that can form when chlorine interacts with organic matter. Ironically, that means disinfecting water can temporarily introduce dangerous chemicals into the water. 

Map of Water Contamination Sites in New York

New York’s industrial and military history has left a mark on the state’s water resources. Military sites around New York have tested positive for PFAS contamination well above both state and incoming federal regulations. Contamination can change over time as water flows to lower-lying geographic areas.

There is a notable concentration of PFAS contamination in the “downstate” region of the state and along the Hudson River Valley and Long Island. New York City, which draws its water through a long-distance aqueduct system, has not recorded any contamination, however. The Southern Tier between Elmira and Binghamton also has a small cluster of PFAS hotspots.

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

Here are some of the contaminants that have been found in New York’s drinking water

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

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) present some unique challenges to New York’s drinking water systems. Unlike many other contaminants, the danger presented by PFAS was not well-known until recently, and regulations are either very recent or still being rolled out. These durable, water-repelling chemicals have been used widely to fight fires, waterproof fabrics, and create non-stick pans and food wrappers. Unfortunately, they are also very resistant to decay and can accumulate in soil and bodies. 

While the safety of the thousands of human-made substances classified as PFAS is still being studied, two types of PFAS have been identified as particularly harmful: PFOA and PFOS. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to kidney, liver, and thyroid damage, as well as multiple forms of cancer. 

Lead in New York’s Drinking Water

Unlike PFAS, the threat of lead in drinking water has been well-known for quite some time. Lead, a heavy metal associated with developmental problems in children and neurological impairment, tends to enter drinking water not at the source, but en route to the tap. Aging water lines containing lead contaminate water in older buildings and homes, particularly those constructed before 1986. Replacement of these systems remains an ongoing challenge in most states and especially in New York, which has the oldest building stock in the country.

Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in New York’s Drinking Water

Trihalomethanes–volatile compounds produced when chlorine interacts with organic matter–are often the most common contaminant found in New York’s drinking water. This is because chlorine is commonly used to disinfect municipal drinking water. While TTHMs do not typically stay in water for long, they do pose health risks, including an elevated risk of bladder and colorectal cancer. TTHMs present an additional risk in that they can be absorbed through the air or skin. 

How Do I Know If My Drinking Water is Contaminated?

Finding out if your drinking water is contaminated is easier if you are drawing from a public source. Utilities are required to file water reports each year that disclose any contaminants that may be present and whether contaminants fall within acceptable levels. You can easily find many municipal water reports, New York City or Rochester, for example, with a quick Google search. You can also check the EWG’s tap water database, which tracks contamination across the country. 

If you are drawing from a private well, you will likely have to do your own research. While the state does draw groundwater samples, you will likely have to arrange your own testing to know for sure what is in your tap water.

What are the Drinking Water Regulations in New York?

The State of New York follows federal EPA guidelines on drinking water for the majority of regulated contaminants, including lead, copper, arsenic, and microorganisms. However, the state does currently have more stringent regulations on PFOA and PFOS, at least until 2027, when the EPA’s monitoring guidelines begin to take effect. New York currently sets an MCL of 10 ppt for those chemicals.

New York also regulates 1,4-dioxane, setting an MCL of 10 ppb. Though dioxane is not a PFAS (it is technically considered an ether), it is also resilient to breakdown through natural means and presents similar health risks. Dioxane can enter various products in trace amounts during their manufacturing process. Dioxane is not currently regulated at the federal level.

What Parts of New York Have the Most Polluted Water?

Regions of New York State face different challenges when it comes to water pollution. For example:

• New York City’s outer boroughs face localized exposure to dangerous sewage from stormwater runoff.
• Long Island faces challenges related to buried toxic waste that can contaminate groundwater. 
• The Hudson Valley has long struggled with the legacy of industrial pollution in the Hudson River, which serves as a water source for communities like the City of Poughkeepsie. 
• The upper Delaware River runs through the Southern Tier of New York and is used as a drinking water supply for a number of towns. It has a history of industrial pollution. 
• Buildings and water systems in areas with aging infrastructure present ongoing lead contamination risks.

What Actions Has New York Taken To Address Water Quality Issues?

New York is among the more proactive states when it comes to state-level water quality regulations, having been early to PFAS regulation, as well as stricter than most other states with similar regulations. That said, New York’s PFAS MCLs are still higher than those of the incoming EPA regulations. New York is currently the only state to set a formal 1,4-dioxane MCL.

The state recently announced a $90 million grant program to replace aging water lines, many of which carry the risk of lead and/or copper contamination.

What Are the Health Risks of Drinking Contaminated Water In New York?

Drinking contaminated water can be dangerous, particularly for children and individuals with compromised immune systems. Even healthy adults, if exposed to high levels of dangerous substances, are at risk of developing serious health problems, including cancer, ulcerative colitis, and neurological issues.

With PFAS usage having been prominent on military bases, many veterans and their families have suffered life-changing damages from water contamination. Studies have shown that people who live on or near military bases have higher rates of certain diseases, including:

• 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

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

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit in New York, provided you meet the criteria below.

Length of Exposure: You will need to have lived in New York State for at least a year in a location with PFAS-contaminated water. If you were stationed at a military installation in New York, you need to have been stationed at an eligible base for at least 6 months. 

Eligible Diagnoses: Our firm is evaluating cases with the following diagnoses:

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

Supporting Documents: To support your case, you will need to present evidence that places you in the contaminated area for the minimum duration of time. This can include documents like utility bills, lease agreements, deeds, or military papers. You will also need to provide medical records and bills that show you have a qualifying diagnosis and establish economic damages sustained as a result of exposure.

How Much Is a New York Water Contamination Lawsuit Worth?

Water contamination lawsuit payouts can vary depending on the medical diagnosis, duration and severity of exposure, level of impairment, and age of the victim. The strength and amount of your evidence may also impact your payout. Typical payouts fall between $30,000 and $300,000, with minor injuries potentially falling below and serious disability or death possibly exceeding that range.

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

While there are no guarantees, many water contamination lawsuits that join mass torts against polluters end in settlements. Meeting the criteria for a lawsuit, complete with strong evidence, will increase your chances of getting a settlement. 

How Can I File a Water Contamination Lawsuit in New York?

Filing a water contamination lawsuit in New York can be a complex process. The list below can serve as a rough outline of what to expect:

1. Consult a Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can help set expectations, inform you of deadlines and necessary paperwork, and represent you in settlement negotiations. 
2. Collect Evidence: The success of your claim will largely rest on the quality of the evidence you are able to collect. 
3. Legal Filing: At this point, you will submit the formal paperwork for your case. Your lawyer can help you draft the necessary documents.
4. Pre-Trial Procedures: This includes activities like discovery, questioning of experts, and the sharing of evidence between both sides of the case.
5. Negotiations: At this stage, attorneys from both sides may attempt to reach a settlement to avoid trial. If successful, you will receive a negotiated payout.
6. Trial: In cases where a settlement cannot be reached, the lawsuit will move to trial. A judge or jury will determine what, if any, damages you are entitled to.

What Evidence Will I Need to File My Claim?

Evidence that supports your water contamination claim will include documents and testimonies that link your exposure to contaminated water within a specific area of New York to a relevant medical diagnosis. Additionally, you will want to provide any bills or receipts that outline costs you have paid related to your diagnosis. 

Examples of evidence include: 

• Utility bills
• Leases
• Mortgage payments
• Environmental studies
• Expert testimonies (doctors or scientists)
• Personal testimonies (corroborating your pain and suffering or disability)
• Military records, ie, DD Form 214
• Hospital bills

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

Personal injury lawsuits need to be filed within a window called the Statute of Limitations. In New York State, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is typically three years from the date of injury. However, exemptions may apply. For example, it may be determined that your window to file is three years from when you discovered your injury was caused by exposure to PFAS. In the case of drinking water contamination, the statute of limitations may not apply under a state law passed in 2022, which grants exemptions depending on the type of pollution, which includes some PFAS chemicals.

Because of these and other exemptions, it is best to consult with an experienced lawyer as soon as you become aware of your injury to understand what your timeframe for filing is. 

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

If you were stationed at a military base or lived in a municipality with drinking water contaminated by PFAS, you may be eligible for compensation if you have suffered a qualifying injury like cancer or ulcerative colitis. With a limited window in which to file your case, it is important to act quickly. Our experienced legal partners offer free consultations that can provide guidance on how to proceed. Our partners also work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you receive a settlement or award.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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