New Jersey Water Contamination PFAS Lawsuit

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Contaminating New Jersey's Water Supply?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals,” have been infiltrating New Jersey’s water systems since their introduction in the 1940s for industrial and military applications.

These synthetic chemicals, which include thousands of compounds engineered to resist heat, water, and oil, persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in human bodies over decades.

Originally developed for use in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, PFAS have spread throughout the environment.

New Jersey faces severe contamination due to its dense concentration of military installations, chemical manufacturing facilities, and industrial sites that have used PFAS-containing products for over 70 years.

The Environmental Working Group has documented extensive PFAS pollution across the state’s watersheds.

Sources of PFAS Contamination in New Jersey

New Jersey’s PFAS contamination affecting drinking water sources stems from multiple sources that have discharged these chemicals into groundwater, surface water, and soil for decades through industrial processes, firefighting activities, and waste disposal.

The state’s unique combination of military bases using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), major chemical manufacturers producing PFAS compounds, and numerous industrial facilities has created widespread contamination affecting both public water systems and private wells.

Primary sources of PFAS contamination in New Jersey include:

• Military Installations Using AFFF: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and Fort Dix have been confirmed sources of PFAS contamination through decades of using aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting training exercises, with PFOS and PFOA detected at these sites
• Chemical Manufacturing Facilities: Major facilities including DuPont’s Chambers Works plant on the Delaware River in Deepwater and the Parlin site in Sayreville have released PFAS compounds directly into soil, groundwater and surface water through industrial processes
• Landfills Receiving Industrial Waste: State landfills accepting PFAS-contaminated soil and materials from military bases and industrial sites serve as ongoing sources of contamination through leachate that enters groundwater systems
• Sewage Treatment Plant Discharges: Wastewater treatment facilities throughout the state discharge PFAS into surface waters after receiving contaminated industrial wastewater and household products containing these chemicals
• Airports Using Firefighting Foam: Commercial and regional airports across New Jersey have contributed to localized PFAS contamination through routine use of AFFF for fire suppression and training activities

These sources have resulted in 63% of community water systems tested by NJDEP from 2019-2021 showing PFAS detections, affecting 84% of New Jersey’s population according to research published by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Historical industrial practices allowed these chemicals to be discharged directly into waterways and soil without treatment, while military bases conducted decades of fire suppression training that saturated the ground with PFAS-laden foam.

Timeline of PFAS Contamination Discovery in New Jersey

New Jersey emerged as a national leader in PFAS detection and regulation, becoming the first state to propose enforceable drinking water standards for these chemicals in 2018 and establishing some of the strictest limits in the nation. The state has a long history of industrial activity that contributed to widespread contamination.

The state’s proactive approach revealed the shocking extent of contamination, with testing showing that PFAS chemicals had infiltrated water supplies serving millions of residents across all 21 counties.

These alarming findings prompted immediate action on regulating PFAS at the state level.

Key milestones in New Jersey’s PFAS response feature:

• 2006-2009: First statewide monitoring detects PFAS in 65 water systems serving 1.9 million residents
• 2018: Nation’s first proposed enforceable PFAS standards at 14 ppt PFOA/13 ppt PFOS
• 2019: Landmark lawsuits filed seeking $1+ billion from 3M, DuPont, and 5 other manufacturers
• 2020: Enforceable limits activate, triggering $1.4 billion in required treatment upgrades
• 2021: Mandatory testing reveals 63% of community water systems contain detectable PFAS
• 2024: Federal EPA adopts 4 ppt standards, validating New Jersey’s aggressive approach
• 2025: Historic $450 million 3M settlement payable over 25 years with $60 million upfront

Recent testing data reveals that 63% of New Jersey’s community water systems contain detectable PFAS levels, collectively serving 84% of the state’s population receiving public water.

The contamination continues to spread as more testing uncovers previously unknown pollution sites, with private well owners discovering contamination during real estate transactions and voluntary testing programs.

Current PFAS Levels in New Jersey Communities

The Environmental Protection Agency’s new enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS represents an extremely low threshold that many New Jersey communities exceed by factors of 10 to 100 times.

These federal regulations for safe drinking water aim to protect public health from serious health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

Testing from 2019-2021 revealed that nearly one-quarter of New Jersey residents received water exceeding the state’s maximum contaminant levels, while 72% were served by systems exceeding the EPA’s proposed stricter standards.

Water quality monitoring shows certain PFAS compounds at alarming high concentrations throughout the state.

Water systems with documented PFAS contamination (among others):

• Middlesex Water Company: Serving 500,000+ residents with PFOA levels averaging 6 ppt, PFOS at 5 ppt
• Newark Water Department: 285,000 customers exposed to combined PFAS levels up to 27 ppt
• Jersey City Municipal Systems: 260,000 residents with PFNA detection at 9,000+ times health limits
• Camden County Wells: 34 systems near industrial sites with PFAS ranging 12-2,200 ppt
• Salem County Communities: 168 of 341 private wells exceed limits near DuPont Chambers Works
• Burlington County Systems: 75 contaminated wells within 5 miles of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection maintains an active database tracking PFAS levels across 491 tested community water systems, with quarterly monitoring revealing both progress in remediation efforts and ongoing discoveries of new contamination.

Testing also reveals other contaminants alongside PFAS in many water systems.

Water utilities face enormous challenges in meeting the strict standards, requiring installation of specialized treatment systems costing millions of dollars while contamination sources remain active in many locations.

Communities across the country face similar challenges with PFAS contamination.

If you or a loved one developed cancer or other serious health conditions after exposure to PFAS-contaminated water in New Jersey, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a New Jersey PFAS water contamination lawsuit today.

Health Conditions Linked to PFAS Water Contamination

Decades of scientific research, including studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have established definitive links between PFAS exposure and specific cancers, chronic diseases, and reproductive health conditions.

Medical diagnosis timing plays a fundamental role in lawsuit eligibility, with most cases requiring diagnosis after January 1, 2000, following documented exposure to contaminated water supplies. These high levels of PFAS in the body can break down normal cellular functions.

The growing body of epidemiological evidence continues to strengthen the connection between PFAS blood serum levels and serious health outcomes, providing the scientific foundation for legal claims against responsible parties.

Cancers Associated with PFAS Exposure

Scientific studies have identified four primary cancer types with the strongest epidemiological links to PFAS exposure, particularly kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), which shows elevated risk ratios in populations with contaminated drinking water.

The C8 Science Panel, formed after a major PFAS contamination case, established probable links between PFOA exposure and both kidney and testicular cancers through extensive health studies involving over 69,000 participants.

Cancers scientifically linked to PFAS exposure consist of:

• Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma): 1.74x increased risk with high PFAS exposure, 18% higher incidence overall
• Testicular Cancer: 2.22x elevated risk with PFOS blood levels >20 ng/mL in military personnel
• Liver Cancer: Associated with 38% higher PFOA levels in diagnosed patients vs. controls
• Prostate Cancer: Under investigation with 1.21x preliminary risk ratio in occupational cohorts

Research demonstrates that cancer risks increase proportionally with both exposure concentration and duration, with some studies showing doubled or tripled cancer rates in heavily exposed communities compared to background populations.

PFAS chemicals have also been linked to food contamination through agricultural irrigation with contaminated water.

The latency period between initial exposure and cancer diagnosis can span decades, making it challenging to establish direct causation without comprehensive exposure documentation and medical expert testimony.

Non-Cancer Health Conditions Qualifying for Compensation

Beyond cancer diagnoses, PFAS exposure disrupts multiple body systems through mechanisms including immune suppression, hormonal interference, and metabolic dysfunction, leading to chronic conditions that can impact quality of life.

The C8 Science Panel identified ulcerative colitis as having a probable link to PFOA exposure, representing one of the few non-cancer conditions with definitive epidemiological evidence supporting causation.

Qualifying non-cancer conditions linked to PFAS involve:

• Ulcerative Colitis: 2.86x risk in highest PFOA exposure quartile per C8 Science Panel findings
• Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension: Affecting 8-10% of exposed pregnant women vs. 3-5% baseline
• High Cholesterol: Average 3.5-6.1 mg/dL increase per 10 ng/mL PFAS blood concentration
• Liver Damage: Elevated ALT/AST enzymes in 23% of high-exposure populations

These conditions must be medically documented with clear diagnostic criteria and show temporal relationship to PFAS exposure periods, typically requiring years of contaminated water consumption before disease manifestation.

Medical research indicates that certain populations, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with pre-existing conditions, face heightened vulnerability to PFAS-related health effects at lower exposure levels.

If you or a loved one suffered from kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, or other PFAS-related conditions after drinking contaminated water, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a New Jersey PFAS water contamination lawsuit today.

Required Medical Documentation for Your Claim

Successful PFAS litigation requires comprehensive medical documentation establishing both the diagnosis and its relationship to contaminated water exposure, with attorneys working alongside medical experts to build compelling causation arguments.

Complete medical records serve as the foundation for calculating damages and demonstrating the full impact of PFAS-related diseases on plaintiffs’ lives, employment, and future medical needs. Attorneys may request other documents to strengthen your case beyond medical records.

Medical documentation for PFAS claims includes tactics like:

• Board-Certified Diagnosis Records: Including ICD-10 codes and physician specialty credentials
• Pathology Reports: Tumor staging (TNM classification) and histological grading for cancer cases
• Treatment Documentation: Chemotherapy protocols, radiation dosimetry, surgical operative reports
• Specialist Consultations: Oncology, gastroenterology, endocrinology evaluations with prognosis assessments
• Diagnostic Imaging: CT/MRI/PET scan reports showing disease progression and metastases
• Laboratory Results: CBC panels, liver function tests, kidney markers, PFAS blood serum levels

Organizing medical records chronologically helps establish disease progression timelines that correspond with exposure periods, strengthening the causal link between contaminated water consumption and subsequent health impacts.

Attorneys specializing in PFAS litigation typically partner with medical record retrieval services that can obtain documentation from multiple healthcare providers, including records from facilities that have closed or changed ownership over the decades-long exposure periods.

Who Qualifies to File a New Jersey PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Eligibility for PFAS litigation requires meeting specific criteria encompassing exposure history, medical diagnosis, and timing requirements that align with New Jersey’s legal framework for toxic tort claims.

Both current and former New Jersey residents may pursue compensation if they consumed contaminated water for sufficient duration and subsequently developed qualifying health conditions within the applicable statute of limitations.

Exposure Duration and Geographic Requirements

The foundation of any PFAS claim rests on demonstrating sufficient exposure to contaminated water, with most attorneys requiring a minimum one-year residence or employment in affected areas between 1970 and the present.

This exposure period recognizes that PFAS accumulates in the human body over time, with longer exposure durations generally correlating with higher blood serum levels and increased health risks.

Qualifying PFAS exposure scenarios include, but are not limited to:

• Residential Exposure: 12+ consecutive months in water districts with documented PFAS >4 ppt
• Occupational Exposure: Military/industrial workers at 700+ contaminated sites nationwide
• Educational Exposure: Students at 347 New Jersey schools with contaminated water supplies
• Visitation Exposure: Regular family visits totaling 365+ days in contaminated zones
• Combined Exposures: Mixed residential/workplace exposure accumulating to one-year minimum
• Private Well Consumption: 62.4% of untreated NJ wells exceed arsenic/PFAS limits

Proving exposure requires documentation such as utility bills showing service addresses, property deeds or rental agreements, employment records confirming work locations, or sworn affidavits from family members who can attest to residence history.

Military personnel can use service records and base assignment documentation, while students may provide enrollment records and dormitory assignments to establish their presence in contaminated areas during the relevant timeframe.

Diagnosis Timing and Statute of Limitations

New Jersey’s two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims begins running from the date of diagnosis, not from the initial exposure, creating a narrow window for legal action that requires prompt attention.

The discovery rule may extend this deadline in certain circumstances where plaintiffs could not reasonably have known about the contamination’s role in their illness, though courts apply this exception sparingly.

Timing considerations in PFAS claims may include:

• Discovery Rule: Potential extension if contamination is concealed or unknown until after diagnosis
• Wrongful Death: 2-year statute runs from death date, not underlying diagnosis
• Minor Extensions: Age of majority plus 2 years for childhood exposure cases
• Bankruptcy Bar Dates: 3M, DuPont bankruptcies may impose earlier claim deadlines

Missing the statute of limitations permanently bars compensation claims regardless of injury severity or exposure levels, making immediate legal consultation imperative upon receiving a qualifying diagnosis.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or chronic conditions linked to PFAS exposure within the past two years, time is running out to file your claim.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a New Jersey PFAS water contamination lawsuit today.

Special Considerations for Military Personnel and Firefighters

Military service members and firefighters face dramatically elevated PFAS exposure risks through occupational contact with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in training exercises and emergency responses, often combined with residential exposure from base housing water systems.

These dual exposure pathways create particularly strong legal claims, as plaintiffs can demonstrate both direct occupational contact and consumption of contaminated drinking water over extended periods.

PFAS exposure factors for military and firefighters demonstrate the following patterns:

• Base Housing Contamination: 264,300 ppt PFAS levels at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst wells
• Drinking Water Exposure: 40,000+ thyroid disorders diagnosed in active military over 10 years
• Multi-Base Assignments: Average 4.2 contaminated installations per 20-year career
• Occupational + Residential: Combined exposure pathways showing 3.5x higher PFAS blood levels
• VA Disability Compatible: Civil litigation permitted alongside service-connected benefits

Documentation through DD-214 forms showing military occupational specialties, training records confirming firefighting exercises, and base assignment histories strengthen these claims by establishing clear exposure pathways.

Veterans receiving VA disability benefits for PFAS-related conditions maintain the right to pursue civil litigation against chemical manufacturers, as government benefits address service-connected disabilities while lawsuits target corporate defendants who knowingly sold harmful products.

Recent Settlement Victories and Expected Compensation Amounts

New Jersey’s aggressive pursuit of PFAS polluters has yielded historic settlements, including the landmark $450 million agreement with 3M announced in May 2025 and the $393 million Solvay settlement, demonstrating the state’s commitment to holding chemical manufacturers financially accountable.

These state-level settlements address environmental remediation and water system upgrades, while individual plaintiffs pursue separate compensation through personal injury claims that can result in substantial awards based on injury severity and exposure documentation.

The momentum from these victories positions New Jersey plaintiffs favorably as litigation continues against remaining defendants like DuPont and Chemours.

Major Corporate Settlements in New Jersey

The May 2025 settlement with 3M represents the largest PFAS-related agreement in New Jersey history, resolving claims just days before a scheduled trial that would have been the nation’s first to determine state-level environmental PFAS liability.

This $450 million agreement, payable over 25 years with substantial front-loading in the first four years, stems from 3M’s decades-long supply of PFAS compounds to DuPont’s Chambers Works facility in Salem County.

Major PFAS settlements affecting New Jersey consist of:

• 3M Corporation: $450 million (May 2025) with $140 million for natural resource damages
• Solvay Specialty Polymers: $393 million (2023) for West Deptford facility contamination
• DuPont/Chemours/Corteva: Trial pending May 2025, state seeking $1+ billion in damages
• National 3M Water System Fund: $12.5 billion total with $300-500 million allocated to NJ
• BASF Corporation: $316 million for statewide contamination from multiple facilities
• Carrier Global/Kidde-Fenwal: $730 million settlement with $190 million to PFAS plaintiffs

These settlements allocate funds across multiple categories including natural resource damages ($140 million from 3M), drinking water treatment infrastructure, long-term monitoring programs, and litigation costs, with portions specifically earmarked for communities most severely impacted by contamination.

The agreements establish precedents for corporate accountability while providing immediate resources for remediation efforts, though environmental advocates question whether the amounts adequately address the full scope of contamination discovered across New Jersey’s water systems.

The corporate settlement amounts listed above represent negotiated agreements for environmental remediation and water system upgrades.

Individual plaintiff compensation is separate from these figures and will vary based on personal circumstances.

These historical settlements provide context but do not guarantee similar outcomes in pending or future cases.

Projected Individual Settlement Ranges

Individual PFAS plaintiffs can expect compensation ranges vary based on medical diagnosis severity, exposure duration, age at diagnosis, and quality of supporting documentation, with settlements typically structured in tiers reflecting these factors.

Industry analysts and attorneys handling PFAS cases project individual settlements ranging from $30,000 for lower-tier cases to over $500,000 for plaintiffs with severe cancers and compelling exposure evidence.

Projected settlement tiers for individual plaintiffs involve methods such as:

• Top-Tier Cancer Cases: $200,000-$500,000 for kidney/testicular cancer with clear causation
• Mid-Tier Chronic Conditions: $75,000-$180,000 for ulcerative colitis/thyroid disease
• Lower-Tier Cases: $20,000-$75,000 for minimal exposure or incomplete documentation
• Average Settlement Range: $175,000-$350,000 across all qualifying conditions
• Wrongful Death Claims: $500,000+ depending on age and economic losses
• Multiple Condition Cases: 1.5-2x base amount for plaintiffs with stacked diagnoses

These projections are derived from comparable mass tort settlements involving environmental contamination and toxic exposure, with PFAS cases potentially commanding higher values due to the chemicals’ persistence in human bodies and the clear corporate knowledge of health risks.

Settlement negotiations consider both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, alongside non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life resulting from PFAS-related diseases.

Please be advised that the settlement amounts mentioned above are general estimations and are not guaranteed.

They are meant to provide a general idea of potential settlement ranges and should not be taken as definitive expectations for your case.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or other serious conditions from PFAS exposure, you deserve maximum compensation for your suffering.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a New Jersey PFAS water contamination lawsuit today.

Factors That Increase Settlement Value

Certain case characteristics can dramatically increase settlement values, particularly for younger plaintiffs whose life expectancy and earning potential face greater impact from PFAS-related diseases requiring lifelong medical management.

Key factors in determining the settlement value of your claim may include:

• Young Age at Diagnosis: Under 50 indicating 30+ years lost productivity potential
• Multiple Medical Conditions: Kidney cancer plus thyroid disease showing 2.3x settlement increase
• Extended Exposure Duration: 10+ years residence showing progressive PFAS accumulation
• Documented Blood Levels: PFAS serum >50 ng/mL providing objective exposure proof
• Expert Causation Opinions: Medical testimony linking specific PFAS levels to disease
• Combined Exposure Pathways: Occupational plus residential showing enhanced liability
• Dependent Children Impact: Minor children affected by parent’s illness or death

Plaintiffs who proactively document their damages through detailed medical treatment records, economic loss calculations, and impact statements describing how PFAS-related illnesses affected their daily lives typically achieve superior settlement outcomes compared to those with sparse documentation.

How Can A PFAS Contamination Attorney from TruLaw Help You?

Our PFAS Contamination attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a PFAS Contamination lawsuit.

With extensive experience in chemical exposure cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders to prove how toxic PFAS chemicals in water supplies caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income, and ongoing health monitoring resulting from your PFAS exposure.

We understand the health and environmental impacts of PFAS exposure on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead PFAS Contamination Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead PFAS Contamination attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury litigation to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion dollars on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring a PFAS Contamination lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced health complications from exposure to PFAS-contaminated water that include forms of cancer, immune disorders, liver damage, or thyroid disease, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit

PFAS contamination lawsuits are being filed by individuals nationwide who experienced health problems from exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the PFAS contamination lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your PFAS contamination lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The PFAS contamination lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have decades of experience handling toxic exposure cases similar to the PFAS contamination lawsuit.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one suffered health problems related to PFAS-contaminated water, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.