PFOA, PFOS & AFFF Water Contamination Lawsuit Lawyers

If you were harmed by toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney to learn your options.

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) are part of a larger group of man-made chemicals known as PFAS. These substances have been widely used for decades in industrial manufacturing, consumer products, and firefighting foam known as AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam). Because they break down very slowly, they are often called “forever chemicals.”

PFAS contamination has been found in groundwater, municipal water systems, private wells, and surrounding soil throughout the United States. Exposure may occur for years before residents realize their water supply has been contaminated.

• What are PFOA, PFOS, and AFFF Chemicals?
• What Health Problems Are Linked to PFOA and PFOS Exposure?
• What Should You Do If You Suspect PFAS Contamination?
• Contact a PFAS Water Contamination Attorney for Your Free Case Review

What are PFOA, PFOS, and AFFF Chemicals?

PFOA and PFOS are synthetic chemicals that were used for decades in products designed to resist heat, grease, oil, and water. They have been used in:

• Firefighting foam (AFFF)
• Non-stick cookware
• Water-resistant fabrics
• Food packaging
• Industrial manufacturing processes

AFFF stands for aqueous film-forming foam. It is a firefighting foam designed to suppress fuel-based fires rapidly.

For decades, AFFF was commonly used by:

• Military installations
• Airports
• Fire departments
• Industrial facilities

Many AFFF products contained PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS. When foam was sprayed during training exercises, emergency response, or disposal, the chemicals could seep into soil and migrate into groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Because PFAS compounds do not readily degrade, contamination can remain in the environment for many years.

How Does PFAS Water Contamination Occur?

PFAS contamination often begins when chemicals are released into the environment through manufacturing, industrial discharge, firefighting foam use, or waste disposal.

Once released, these chemicals can:

• Travel through soil into groundwater
• Enter municipal water systems and private wells
• Spread into nearby rivers, lakes, and surface water

Studies have shown PFAS contamination can extend far beyond the original source area. In communities near military bases, airports, and industrial facilities, residents may be exposed through daily drinking water use.

Because contamination often develops slowly and invisibly, many people may not know they were exposed for years.

What Health Problems Are Linked to PFOA and PFOS Exposure?

Scientific research and litigation involving PFAS exposure have linked these chemicals to a number of serious health concerns.

Reported health conditions include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• High cholesterol
• Pregnancy-induced hypertension
• Developmental and reproductive effects

Exposure does not guarantee illness, but long-term ingestion of contaminated water may increase health risks.

Who May Be Affected?

PFAS water contamination may affect:

• Residents living near military bases or airports
• Families using private wells near industrial facilities
• Communities served by contaminated municipal water systems
• Firefighters and others who worked with AFFF

People may have been exposed through drinking water, cooking, bathing, or occupational contact.

Signs Your Water May Be Contaminated

PFAS chemicals generally do not create a visible color, smell, or taste in water.

You may want to investigate if:

• You live near a military base, airport, or industrial facility
• Your local water provider issued a contamination notice
• Nearby communities reported PFAS detections
• You rely on a private well in an affected area

Testing is often the only reliable way to determine whether contamination is present.

What Should You Do If You Suspect PFAS Contamination?

If you believe your water may be contaminated, you should:

• Review local water quality reports
• Ask whether PFAS testing has been conducted
• Consider independent testing of private wells
• Keep records of exposure history and property impacts
• Preserve any notices or communications about contamination

Early documentation can be important in both health monitoring and legal claims.

Do I Qualify to File a PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit?

You may qualify to pursue a claim if:

• You lived, worked, or owned property in an area with known PFAS contamination
• Your drinking water tested positive for PFOA, PFOS, or related chemicals
• You developed health problems associated with long-term exposure
• Your property value or water supply was affected

An attorney can help evaluate exposure history, available testing data, and whether you may have a viable claim.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a PFAS Lawsuit?

Every state sets time limits for filing toxic exposure, personal injury, and property damage claims.

These deadlines often depend on:

• When contamination was discovered
• When exposure occurred
• When the injury was diagnosed

Because environmental cases often involve historical records, testing data, and expert analysis, acting quickly can help preserve important evidence.

Contact a PFAS Water Contamination Attorney for Your Free Case Review

If you or your community may have been affected by PFOA, PFOS, or AFFF contamination, Buckfire Law can help. Contact us today for your free case review. We provide a free, no-obligation case review. If you qualify for a claim, we will file your lawsuit with no upfront legal fees or costs, and we will only receive a fee if you win a settlement! 

Legally reviewed by:

Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D., Lead Trial Attorney at Buckfire Law
Lawrence J. Buckfire, J.D. has over 30 years of experience specializing in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended Wayne State University School of Law. Lawrence has been named a Super Lawyer, U.S. News Best Lawyer, and in The National Trial Lawyers-Top 100 Trial Lawyers.
Date of Review: May, 2026