PFAS in Connecticut

PFAS in Connecticut’s Drinking Water

I have followed state-issued guidelines indicating that drinking water remains one of the primary pathways for PFAS exposure in Connecticut. While other consumer products can contribute, regularly using water with elevated PFAS levels for cooking, bathing, or drinking poses a significant long-term risk. The DPH recommends that water systems perform regular tests, especially if they serve large populations or sit near potential PFAS sources.

Affected Towns and Regions

Public water systems in numerous Connecticut towns have registered PFAS levels above the DPH Action Levels. Although these results vary, many systems immediately informed consumers and began mitigation efforts. Areas close to airports, firefighting training centers, and industrial districts are more likely to show PFAS contamination. In some cases, wells have been temporarily closed to safeguard residents.

The presence of firefighting foam is a recurring theme in the documented contamination. Older foam formulations used at crash sites or training sessions seeped into the soil and groundwater. Rural communities relying on local wells have also been identified at risk, especially when those wells sit near facilities that historically used PFAS. Towns in central, northern, and coastal Connecticut have all reported contamination to varying degrees.

Connecticut’s Public Water Testing Results

Between 2023 and 2024, many community water supplies in Connecticut tested above DPH’s Action Levels for PFAS, which are designed to protect vulnerable populations such as infants and pregnant individuals. The results prompted immediate responses, including public notifications and ongoing sampling. Treatment technologies, like activated carbon or ion exchange, have been employed in some locations to reduce PFAS levels.

State officials emphasize that elevated PFAS in public systems is not automatically an acute health crisis. However, long-term exposure heightens the likelihood of systemic health effects, including immune and developmental issues. Operators remain obligated to share updated testing results with the DPH. When PFAS levels exceed the recommended thresholds, water providers discuss temporary measures like bottled water or alternate sources, aiming to protect the public as remediation gets underway.

Potential Links to Firefighting Foam and Airport Runoff

Connecticut’s airports, military bases, and firefighting training grounds are often singled out for PFAS investigations. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), used widely for liquid-fuel fires, is a well-known PFAS contributor. According to state environmental agencies, runoff from these facilities can carry PFAS into local waterways and seep into underground aquifers. Over time, the chemicals spread, making complete cleanup or containment a gradual, technical challenge.

Lawsuits are piling up nationwide, and Connecticut is no exception. Reports show over 8,000 cases pending in federal multi-district litigation (MDL -2873 IN RE: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation). These suits claim health damage from PFAS-laden foam. In Connecticut, individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, and other ailments allege that long-term PFAS exposure from foam contributed to their conditions.

PFAS in Connecticut’s Soil and Agriculture

State agencies also track PFAS in soil, farmland, and livestock feed. If these chemicals accumulate in crops or livestock, they can enter the food supply. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, chickens drinking water with PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS levels above 3,000 parts per trillion (ppt) may lay eggs with contamination levels exceeding recommended limits. Similar concerns apply to cattle, pigs, and other livestock.

Agricultural sites near known industrial facilities or old firefighting foam disposal areas may face heightened PFAS levels in the soil. Irrigation water drawn from contaminated wells can spread PFAS across multiple fields. This process places both local farmers and consumers of homegrown produce at risk. Although these substances are not immediately acutely toxic, the risk compounds over time when contaminated products are eaten regularly.

I have seen the DPH advise farmers to use alternate water sources, like deeper wells or municipal supplies, if testing indicates that PFAS exceeds Action Levels. However, these measures can be expensive. Some smaller farms cannot easily fund soil remediation or advanced filtration. As a result, many rely on guidance from the DPH about how to mitigate PFAS contamination at every stage, from livestock watering to produce irrigation.

A persistent issue is that boiling water does not remove PFAS. If farmers or homeowners try to eliminate bacteria by boiling, the water’s PFAS concentration may actually increase as it evaporates. That underscores the complexity of dealing with “forever chemicals” that cling to the environment. The good news is that advanced treatment methods, such as reverse osmosis, granular activated carbon, and ion exchange, can help reduce PFAS levels in water before it is used on crops or livestock.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Most of the health guidance I have encountered clarifies that PFAS exposure can affect multiple organ systems. Research supports possible impacts on the immune system, liver function, and hormone regulation. Some studies also link PFAS to reproductive and developmental problems. Higher cholesterol levels are another widely documented effect, potentially elevating cardiovascular risks over time.

Connecticut’s DPH focuses on vulnerable groups, including pregnant people, infants, and children, who may be more susceptible to adverse health outcomes due to lower body weight and ongoing development. According to the DPH, reducing exposure for these groups can significantly lessen long-term health risks. The federal ATSDR likewise advises caution, citing evidence that PFAS exposure correlates with an increased risk for kidney and testicular cancer.

A vital point in public health discussions is the cumulative effect of PFAS. Because these chemicals accumulate, even moderate consumption can become hazardous after repeated exposure. While no single source of PFAS may cause immediate, severe illness, the combined burden from water, food, and consumer products can have noticeable consequences over a lifetime.

As of today, no enforceable federal limit exists for PFAS in drinking water. Regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have proposed tighter guidelines. However, states like Connecticut have taken their own measures, setting Action Levels to prod water systems into testing and, if needed, treatment. This proactive approach aims to protect residents from the additive harm that PFAS can pose.

PFAS-Linked Diseases in Connecticut

I have read multiple clinical and epidemiological reports linking PFAS to certain diseases. While research continues to refine what levels of PFAS in individuals trigger these conditions, mounting evidence suggests certain cancers and thyroid disorders may correlate with higher PFAS exposure.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer stands out as one possible PFAS-linked disease. In Connecticut, claims in ongoing lawsuits describe a higher incidence of kidney cancer among residents living close to contaminated wells or industrial sites. PFAS may interfere with how the kidneys filter waste, potentially leading to inflammation and DNA changes that accelerate cancer risk. Although not everyone exposed develops kidney cancer, consistent exposure over many years increases the odds.

Testicular Cancer

Another malignancy drawing attention is testicular cancer. Studies cited by the ATSDR and other organizations link PFAS exposure to a potential rise in testicular tumors. In industrial areas, I have seen repeated concerns that worker exposures or environmental discharges might correlate with local spikes in testicular cancer diagnoses.

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, are common among PFAS-exposed populations. The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolism, growth, and developmental functions. When PFAS disrupt hormone signals, individuals may experience weight fluctuations, fatigue, and more severe complications over time. The DPH highlights the importance of screening individuals who have consumed PFAS-contaminated water for thyroid abnormalities.

Liver Damage and Cholesterol Changes

PFAS may also stress the liver and alter cholesterol levels. Connecticut-based studies reference laboratory animals showing elevated liver enzymes, suggesting subclinical liver damage can escalate with ongoing exposure. High cholesterol has been observed in humans exposed to PFAS, raising concerns about cardiovascular disease. While these effects vary by individual, they often become more apparent when combined with other risk factors such as obesity or diet.

How Connecticut Is Responding to the PFAS Crisis

Connecticut agencies have developed a coordinated strategy to address PFAS contamination. I have observed that this approach includes regular testing, regulatory thresholds known as “Action Levels,” and legislative moves banning certain PFAS-containing products. Federal and local partnerships also help coordinate resources to test, manage, and remediate contaminated sites.

Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Actions

DPH and DEEP co-chair the Connecticut Interagency PFAS Task Force, established in 2019 to craft a comprehensive plan. According to officials, the task force focuses on three main goals: minimizing health risks, preventing future releases, and cleaning up historical contamination. DEEP has banned fluorinated firefighting foam, launched a foam take-back program, and investigated PFAS pollution in private wells.

DPH has set Action Levels for 10 PFAS, first announced in June 2022 for four chemicals and expanded in June 2023 to include six more. These guidelines instruct water utilities on safe thresholds. If testing confirms that levels exceed these thresholds, utilities must inform consumers and implement mitigation strategies. DPH also recommends that pregnant or nursing individuals, as well as infants, avoid water above these Action Levels until corrective steps are taken.

State PFAS Action Plan

Connecticut’s PFAS Action Plan, finalized on November 4, 2019, laid the groundwork for ongoing legislation and remediation programs. It emphasizes continual monitoring of public drinking water sources, the phasing out of certain consumer products containing PFAS, and strategies for managing contaminated sites. The plan relies on collaboration between local officials, state agencies, and community groups to address PFAS from multiple angles.

Lawmakers in Connecticut passed Public Act No. 24-59 in May 2024, tightening restrictions on PFAS usage. This act bans soil treatments with PFAS starting October 1, 2024, and bars the sale of PFAS-laden products after January 1, 2028. The legislation also allocates funds for testing PFAS in school drinking water. By setting explicit timelines, Connecticut aims to reduce the presence of these chemicals for future generations.

Federal and Local Partnerships

The federal government has partnered with Connecticut officials by allocating funds for remediation and research. Agencies like the EPA and the Department of Defense support local testing, particularly near military bases with known AFFF histories. Meanwhile, county and municipal authorities help carry out testing, inform the public, and enforce bans on prohibited foam.

I have also seen the DPH collaborate with neighboring states. Many of those states have aligned their PFAS drinking water standards to mirror or approximate Connecticut’s approach. By sharing research data, best practices, and policy updates, New England jurisdictions have formed a regional front to tackle PFAS contamination more effectively.

Can You Test Your Water or Soil for PFAS in Connecticut?

If you live in an area of concern, you can request a water test from local certified laboratories. Public water suppliers generally cover testing costs for municipal systems, but private well owners may need to hire testing services. According to DPH guidance, any positive result above the state’s Action Levels warrants additional sampling to confirm the initial finding. You can contact the Emerging Contaminants Unit at DPH by phone at (860) 509-7356 or email DPH.EmergingContaminants@ct.gov for more details.

If the water or soil is confirmed to contain PFAS beyond recommended thresholds, treatment options include activated carbon filters, ion exchange systems, or high-pressure membrane filtration. Point-of-use filters can be installed at home to ensure safer drinking water for you and your family. Boiling water is not a viable solution for PFAS removal, as it can concentrate these substances.

In agricultural settings, farmers can assess both soil and water. If one of these is contaminated, the DPH advises using an alternative water source for livestock or irrigation. It is also important to test feed if animals are suspected to ingest PFAS-laden products. Because regulations are evolving, checking for updated guidance from state agencies can help you make more informed decisions.

I encourage you to share test results with your neighbors or local officials if PFAS levels exceed Action Levels. Community awareness often drives quicker action for broader testing and remediation measures. In cases where contamination is severe, local authorities may issue “do not drink” advisories or offer bottled water programs. Prompt reporting and open communication are key to preventing further harm.

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit in Connecticut?

Many lawsuits in Connecticut allege that specific parties knowingly allowed PFAS contamination to occur. For instance, two class-action suits recently named major water suppliers, claiming they provided water with toxic PFAS to unsuspecting residents. Plaintiffs in these cases often seek financial damages, treatment system installations, and medical monitoring for diseases like testicular or kidney cancer, which are potentially linked to PFAS.

To decide if you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit, it is crucial to document your exposure history. If your drinking water measured above Connecticut’s Action Levels, you could have a stronger claim. Medical records showing related conditions, such as high cholesterol or thyroid dysfunction, may also support your case. Attorney consultations can help you navigate injury claims and weigh your legal options.

I recommend reaching out to a service like Legal Claim Assistant, which connects residents to experienced attorneys handling PFAS contamination cases. You generally do not pay unless you win a settlement or verdict. The size of potential compensation depends on factors like the severity of your illness, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional hardship. Keep in mind that PFAS-related litigation often takes time, as proving liability demands robust scientific and medical evidence.

PFAS claims also vary in scope. Some lawsuits focus on firefighting foam exposure, especially among firefighters or military personnel. Others revolve around broader community contamination from corporate facilities. Checking whether your area, employer, or water supplier is named in active litigation can provide insight into your eligibility. If a settlement is offered, it may include funds for ongoing water treatment or medical monitoring programs.

Why Choose Legal Claim Assistant

I have found that connecting with the right legal team can be overwhelming, especially when PFAS contamination issues overlap with technical science and public health guidelines. Legal Claim Assistant helps by matching you to lawyers who understand evolving PFAS regulations and the challenges of proving contamination.

If you suspect you have been affected, you can visit the main PFAS Lawsuit resource. For more details on water contamination claims, see their Water Contamination Lawsuit page. Additional insight into broader PFAS litigation, including suits against major chemical producers, is available at their DuPont Lawsuit resource.

When I evaluated their services, I noticed they prioritize transparent communication and client well-being. They can help gather test results, medical evidence, and documentation for your claim. If you need advice on PFAS issues in other states, you can also explore resources. Each case is different, but their support can greatly simplify the process of filing or joining a lawsuit.

Lawyers working with Legal Claim Assistant often operate on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive fees if they secure compensation for you. This structure can be reassuring if you are unsure you can afford legal representation. Given the rising costs of medical treatment and water filtration, it could be an important step toward holding polluters accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

PFAS contamination frequently raises questions about water safety, legal remedies, and regulatory actions. I have addressed some common queries below, drawing on official sources and ongoing research in Connecticut.