PFAS in Indiana

PFAS in Indiana’s drinking water

When I look at Indiana’s PFAS challenges, the most critical focal point is the drinking water supply. The chemicals can pass through conventional treatment plants and end up in tap water unless specialized filtration is in place. In April 2024, the U.S. EPA finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS. These federal standards took full effect on June 25, 2024, aiming to protect public health by requiring stricter limits in finished drinking water.

Affected cities and water systems

According to IDEM’s statewide testing results, smaller communities under 10,000 residents were sampled first because they had not been included in earlier federal monitoring. While some water systems showed no verified PFAS detections, others had measurable concentrations of these chemicals in raw or finished water.

IDEM indicated that Jeffersonville became a focal point for PFAS concerns after a lawsuit was filed on November 20, 2024, alleging life-altering health complications due to exposure. In that case, the suit seeks “compensation for the harm caused by these forever chemicals.” Public interest in further testing grew after these legal developments, prompting some cities to consider additional water-treatment protocols to lower PFAS concentrations.

Statewide monitoring programs

Since February 2021, IDEM has facilitated PFAS sampling at raw and finished water points in all Indiana community systems. Officials said, “No verified PFAS detections were found in Indiana during the UCMR sampling event,” referencing the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule operation completed in 2015. However, as new funding became available, IDEM extended its Emerging Contaminants Grant to study surface-water sources and track potential PFAS distribution beyond major population centers.

Key goals of these programs include:

• Identifying systems with elevated PFAS levels
• Sharing data with water utility managers so they can implement effective filtration
• Tracking trends in areas with historic or nearby industrial activity
• Military-linked contamination sites

Military bases are notable PFAS sources because of firefighting foam used in drills and emergencies. In Indiana, bases like Grissom Air Reserve Base and Camp Atterbury have undergone official reviews to determine how much foam was used and whether local groundwater was affected. Where data suggests potential contamination, specialized cleanup strategies might be pursued under state-federal collaboration.

PFAS in Indiana’s soil and agriculture

PFAS can seep into the ground and impact farms or backyard gardens. I have spoken with residents who worry about how PFAS might affect the safety of produce or livestock raised in tainted soil or irrigated with contaminated water. While the state has not fully mapped agricultural PFAS levels, the same chemicals found in water can accumulate in the soil and potentially move into crops.

Agricultural areas near industrial plants, landfills, or wastewater treatment facilities may face greater exposure. Additionally, PFAS-laden biosolids used as fertilizer can pose a risk if they contain residual chemicals. Although more research is needed to determine the full extent of PFAS in Indiana’s soil, some farmers are already re-examining their fertilizer sources and water-testing protocols.

Health effects of PFAS exposure

Scientists continue to explore PFAS exposure, but consensus indicates these chemicals can lead to chronic health problems. I often see kidney cancer and testicular cancer mentioned as two major concerns. Other issues include:

• Thyroid disease
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver enzymes and function
• Autoimmune disorders or weakened immunity

Children, in particular, may be more sensitive to PFAS effects. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), infants could be exposed through breast milk or formula made with PFAS-contaminated water. Prolonged exposure might also increase the likelihood of developmental issues.

PFAS-linked diseases in Indiana

Indiana residents who have been exposed to PFAS over many years have also reported higher rates of certain diseases. While causation is still being studied, multiple health alerts have drawn a connection between PFAS and several conditions. The CDC released a health alert on January 26, 2024, reinforcing that PFAS exposure correlates with heightened risk for kidney cancer.

Kidney cancer

Among the most closely examined PFAS-related risks is kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma. Studies show that PFOA, one of the widely recognized PFAS compounds, may significantly increase the likelihood of this disease. Anyone who has lived near a well-documented PFAS source for an extended period should consider regular screenings for early detection.

Testicular cancer

Emerging research suggests that testicular cancer risk may spike in locations with high PFAS levels. Military bases and nearby communities, which historically used large amounts of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), appear especially affected.

Thyroid disease

Chronic thyroid disease can manifest through symptoms including fatigue, weight changes, or temperature sensitivity. In my own discussions with local residents, many are concerned that subclinical PFAS effects on the thyroid may be under-diagnosed.

Liver damage and cholesterol changes

Liver toxicity studies have indicated that PFAS may affect liver enzymes, leading to increased cholesterol levels and, in some cases, potential liver damage over time. While the extent of harm can vary widely among individuals, patients with an existing history of liver or lipid issues may want to consult their healthcare provider about PFAS exposure risks.

How Indiana is responding to the PFAS crisis

Indiana’s approach to PFAS contamination is multifaceted. IDEM has expanded its monitoring framework. Meanwhile, the EPA’s updated rules are pushing both state officials and local water utilities to adapt quickly. In my view, this concerted effort underscores a broader recognition that PFAS are not just an environmental nuisance, but a public health concern requiring proactive management.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) efforts

IDEM formally launched a large-scale PFAS screening in February 2021 for all Community Public Water Systems across the state. Smaller systems were sampled first, followed by larger ones, to fill data gaps from the prior federal study. In its official summary, IDEM noted that “No verified PFAS detections were found in Indiana during the UCMR sampling event,” but new tests suggest that limited exposures do exist in certain regions.

In 2024, the program extended to surface-water bodies used for drinking water. A next phase will include sampling at non-transient non-community sites, primarily schools and daycare facilities, so that children’s exposure risks can be better assessed. IDEM has also been analyzing fish tissue for PFAS since 2017 to track bioaccumulation patterns in Indiana’s rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

PFAS sampling of public water systems

While testing helps determine which water systems are at risk, it also highlights the efficacy of conventional drinking water treatment in removing PFAS. In some cases, systems might find that carbon filtration or reverse-osmosis processes can dramatically reduce PFAS concentrations. IDEM recommends frequent re-testing for utilities that initially tested positive, ensuring consistent quality over time.

Federal and state cleanup collaborations

At the federal level, the U.S. EPA continues to develop regulations and guidance for PFAS-laden sites. Newly established MCLs require water systems to limit PFAS levels to near-zero for compounds like PFOA and PFOS. States, including Indiana, often coordinate with federally managed cleanup programs for legacy contamination at military bases or industrial complexes.

In these cooperative efforts, responsible parties could include manufacturers of firefighting foam, large chemical firms, or local entities that utilized PFAS-heavy materials. By sharing data and standardizing approaches, the EPA and state agencies can more effectively target environmental restoration and public health safeguards.

Can you test your water or soil for PFAS in Indiana?

I am frequently asked what steps private residents can take to identify possible PFAS exposure in their homes. If you use a private well, you can hire a certified environmental laboratory to conduct PFAS-specific testing. Certain labs employ EPA-approved methods like Method 1633 for aqueous samples.

For soil testing, specialized protocols for PFAS exist, although they are more complex than standard pesticide analyses. If you suspect contamination near your property, especially from industrial runoff or firefighting foam usage, you may want to coordinate with IDEM or an accredited environmental consultant to ensure accurate results.

Do you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit in Indiana?

Individuals living in areas with well-documented PFAS contamination may be eligible to file a lawsuit, particularly if they have suffered health effects linked to these chemicals. On November 20, 2024, a Jeffersonville resident initiated legal action after alleging PFAS exposure led to severe complications. These cases often focus on:

• Demonstrating that pollutants exceeded safe thresholds
• Highlighting corporate or institutional negligence tied to PFAS release
• Linking chronic exposure to a medically verified health diagnosis

If you suspect your illness or that of a loved one stems from PFAS, you might want to consult an attorney who handles large environmental and toxic tort claims. In certain instances, class-action or mass-tort litigation may be appropriate, especially if multiple people in your area share similar diagnoses.

I encourage you to review additional details on filing a water contamination lawsuit. You can also learn more about suits targeting major chemical producers, including the DuPont lawsuit overview.

Why choose Legal Claim Assistant

As I see it, navigating PFAS claims can be daunting. Legal Claim Assistant helps simplify the process by connecting you with an experienced legal team. Their network offers free case reviews to potential plaintiffs, and attorneys can evaluate whether your exposure, medical conditions, or location supports filing a PFAS-related claim.

To learn more about legal options, visit the Legal Claim Assistant PFAS Lawsuit page. Their site provides clear steps for gathering medical documentation, water-testing results, and expert opinions. By organizing these details, you gain a stronger foundation upon which to pursue compensation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

In speaking with community members, I have noticed recurring questions about PFAS sources, regulations, and the possibility of filing lawsuits. Below are some of the most common ones, along with my understanding from state and federal updates.