Am I at Risk? How to Know If PFAS Contaminated Your Drinking Water
(And What to do About It!)
For millions of Americans, a simple glass of water may come with an invisible threat: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These so-called “forever chemicals” have been linked to cancer, thyroid problems, reproductive issues, and other serious health effects. But how can you tell if your drinking water is contaminated? And what are your legal rights if it is?
Here’s what you need to know.
🔬 What Are PFAS?
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used for decades in products and are found in everything from firefighting foam to food packaging, cookware, clothing and upholstery, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, dental floss, and more. Traces of PFAS are found nearly everywhere, in the air, water and soil.
Their resistance to heat, oil, and water made them popular—but also persistent. Once PFAS enter the environment, they don’t break down easily, and they can accumulate in soil, water, and even our bloodstreams.
💧 How to Find Out If PFAS Are in Your Drinking Water
- Check EPA and State Reports
- Visit the EPA’s PFAS Analytic Tools Dashboard to view sampling data from across the U.S.
- Learn more about the EPA’s Final PFAS Drinking Water Standards (2024) for six key PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS.
- Request Your Water Utility’s Annual Water Quality Report
- Every public water supplier is required to send customers a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1st each year. You can also request one directly from your water utility provider
- Test Your Private Well
- If you use a private well, you can’t rely on public testing. Use a lab certified for PFAS analysis—your state health department or this EPA lab certification list may help you find one.
- Some states offer assistance or reimbursement—check your state’s PFAS page!
- Search for Known Contamination Sites
- Use the Environmental Working Group’s PFAS Contamination Map to look up PFAS sites by zip code. It’s updated with confirmed cases in water supplies, military bases, and industrial zones.
⚠️ Health Risks from PFAS Exposure
PFAS exposure has been linked to:
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Liver damage
- High cholesterol
- Immune system suppression
- Hormonal and reproductive issues
- Developmental delays in children
The CDC’s ATSDR page on PFAS Health Effects offers more detail on the science behind these risks.
These conditions have been approved for claims as of July 2025:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis (a type of IBS)
If you have been diagnosed with one or more of the following medical conditions and believe you may have been exposed to PFAS, we recommend you call us here at Herd Law Firm today to discuss your options!
⚖️ What Are Your Legal Rights?
If your water has tested positive for PFAS contamination and you or your family have been harmed, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
✅ Who Could Be Held Liable?
- Chemical manufacturers (such as 3M and DuPont)
- Government Entities that failed to regulate appropriately
- Industrial facilities or local municipalities that failed to notify residents or treat the water supply
✅ What Can You Seek in a Lawsuit?
- Medical expenses and future health care
- Property damage (including well remediation or home value loss)
- Loss of income if illness affects your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Cleanup and filtration costs
🧾 How PFAS Lawsuits Work
- Initial Evaluation – A legal team, such as the experienced team here at the Herd Law Firm, will assess your exposure history, test results, and health symptoms.
- File a Claim – A competent lawyer can help you file your claims documents in a timely manner.
- Discovery – Your lawyer also can assist you in gathering evidence, including medical documentation and expert testimony.
- Settlement or Trial – Some PFAS lawsuits with many claimants are resulting in multi-million, even multi-billion-dollar settlements, including recent ones with 3M and DuPont.
⏳ Don’t Wait – Know the Time Limits
PFAS cases are subject to statutes of limitations, which vary by state. In many cases, the clock starts when you first learn of the contamination or the harm it caused. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly.
Protecting Your Health and Your Rights
PFAS contamination is no longer a distant environmental problem—it’s a personal one that may be affecting your family right now. The first step is to learn whether your water is at risk. The next step may be to hold polluters accountable and seek compensation for the damage done.
📞 Need Help?
If you think PFAS contamination has affected your or a loved one’s health, consider speaking with a knowledgeable legal professional such as the team here at the Herd Law Firm about PFAS-related claims. Call us here at 713-955-3699 or email us at Charles.Herd@herdlawfirm.com to discuss your options!
READY TO FILE?
The science is clear, the damages are real. And the legal framework is in place.
If you believe you were harmed by PFAS exposure, you have the right to seek justice. Don’t wait! Time may be running out to join existing litigation and secure compensation.
We the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, we support every man, woman, and child exposed to contaminants, and believe you deserve quality, attentive legal representation. We are proud to be able to aid our veterans, their families, and others exposed to toxins in seeking restitution for their injuries.
7/11/25
