California’s water systems are at a critical decision point.

California municipalities have the opportunity to access vital funding through Phase 2 of the national PFAS settlement. This funding is essential for cities and towns to conduct water testing, implement remediation plans, and establish long-term protection against PFAS contamination.

Missing key deadlines could put California communities at risk, exposing them to potential health hazards and significant financial strain on taxpayers.

California’s public drinking water systems are at a critical juncture in the fight against PFAS contamination. These PFAS chemicals—often called “forever chemicals”—pose serious health concerns for residents, threaten local ecosystems, and can result in tens of millions of dollars in remediation costs if left unaddressed. Many products and packaging have contained PFAS, contributing to environmental contamination and serious health risks.

The Phase 2 PFAS Settlement available to many California cities and towns provides financial resources to help municipalities test for, mitigate, and manage PFAS exposure in their water supply, ensuring compliance with evolving federal guidelines and safeguarding public health.

The Phase 2 Public Water System Settlement provides essential funding for California public water systems to tackle PFAS contamination. This settlement supports PFAS remediation and ensures compliance with federal PFAS standards.

These resources enable municipalities to identify and remediate contamination effectively, ensuring their water systems are protected. Acting promptly reduces the financial burden of treatment measures and ensures compliance with federal PFAS standards.

Secure critical funding today to safeguard the future of California’s public water systems.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industries and consumer products. These chemicals are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, making them useful in applications such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, and firefighting foam. However, PFAS have also been linked to serious health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disease, and reproductive issues.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment and can persist for hundreds of years. This persistence has led to widespread contamination of soil, water, and air, making PFAS a widespread environmental and public health concern.

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health effects, including:

CANCER:

PFAS have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including testicular and kidney cancer.

THYROID CONDITIONS:

PFAS have been shown to disrupt thyroid function, leading to conditions such as hypothyroidism.

REPRODUCTIVE ISSUES:

PFAS have been linked to reproductive problems, including reduced fertility and increased risk of pregnancy complications.

IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPRESSION:

PFAS have been shown to weaken the immune system, making people more susceptible to illness and infection.

The health effects of PFAS exposure can be severe and long-lasting, making it essential to take steps to minimize exposure and address contamination.

PFAS chemicals like PFOA and PFOS are widely used across various industries, including firefighting foam (aqueous film-forming foam), food packaging, and other PFAS products. Over time, these harmful chemicals have seeped into drinking water systems, contaminated groundwater, and even private drinking water wells throughout California. Exposure to PFAS compounds has been linked to adverse health effects, including kidney cancer and other serious health problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal government agencies have issued guidelines under legislation such as the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to address PFAS pollution. California municipalities must take swift action to meet these federal guidelines, mitigate legal proceedings, and protect public health.

The cost of PFAS contamination and remediation for water systems across California could reach tens of millions of dollars, depending on contamination levels. The Phase 2 settlement offers the financial support needed to implement costly water treatment systems and avoid passing the bill to taxpayers.

Municipalities with high PFAS concentrations and large flow rates could qualify for awards in millions.

Water systems with higher contamination levels may qualify for a 4x multiplier on settlement amounts.

Without action, California cities and towns contaminated with PFAS may face long-term consequences, including increased public health risks, reduced property values, and significant financial burdens.

Municipalities across California face potential remediation expenses in the tens of millions. PFAS industry manufacturers, along with other chemical manufacturers, are involved in PFAS lawsuits and class actions at both the district court and federal court levels. Without strategic remediation plans, local fire departments, metropolitan water agencies, and community drinking water systems risk bearing the burden of toxic chemicals, forever chemicals, and hazardous constituents. Contaminated drinking water can lead to serious health risks and significantly impact economic stability in local communities. By participating in the PFAS settlement California initiative, water systems can prevent further exposure to PFAS and avoid passing on massive costs to residents.

The settlement administrator will evaluate factors such as:

• PFAS concentration levels in your water system.
• Adjusted flow rates (based on your three highest years in a 10-year period).

California cities with high contamination levels could qualify for a 4x multiplier on their PFAS settlement awards, potentially unlocking millions in funding.

The Phase 2 Settlement offers vital financial and legal benefits to California’s municipalities. Below is an introduction to the core advantages:

Settlement awards alleviate expensive out-of-pocket expenses for municipalities, saving taxpayers from substantial rate hikes.

Early identification and treatment of drinking water contaminated with toxic PFAS limit adverse health effects and potential personal injury claims.

Align with federal lawsuit requirements and guidelines, including those set by the Comprehensive Environmental Response statutes, to avoid penalties.

Address PFAS contamination proactively and protect future generations from dangerous PFAS compounds.

Stag Liuzza has decades of experience handling PFAS litigation and PFAS class action cases nationwide. Our PFAS lawyers have secured billions in settlements for communities dealing with serious health risks and hazardous chemicals in their water systems. Whether you represent a small rural water district or a large metropolitan area, we can help you navigate PFAS lawsuits, federal court proceedings, and all aspects of filing a successful PFAS claim. Stag Liuzza’s track record includes:

• A major water district serving over 200,000 residents, estimated to receive $14 million+ in settlement funds
• A mid-size municipality serving 15,000 residents, estimated to recover $3.3 million
• A smaller town serving 5,000 residents, expected to obtain $4.7 million in funding

Mike Stag, a member of the court-appointed Executive Committee for PFAS litigation, has a proven record of securing significant outcomes for communities impacted by contamination.

PFAS lawsuits are being pursued nationwide to hold chemical manufacturers and other entities accountable for contaminating local water sources. For California municipalities, filing a claim or joining the ongoing litigation is a critical step in securing the financial and legal protections your community needs. Below is a brief overview tailored to municipalities looking to address PFAS contamination:

• Arrange for reputable laboratory testing to determine PFAS concentration levels in your public water systems.
• These results will confirm if your water supply is contaminated and quantify the extent of the problem.

Stag Liuzza may be able to help cover the costs of testing, as well as keep testing results confidential until your municipality develops a plan for action.

• Partner with an environmental law firm specializing in PFAS litigation to navigate complex legal proceedings.
• Hiring an attorney can help you meet strict court deadlines, gather essential documentation, and maximize potential settlement or judgment awards.

• Submit all required documentation, including PFAS testing results and flow rate data, to initiate your claim.
• Stay compliant with court deadlines and settlement requirements to avoid disqualification.

A group of toxic chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, used in products such as firefighting foam and non-stick cookware.

A nickname for PFAS due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.

Contact with PFAS compounds through inhalation, ingestion (drinking water), or skin contact.

A formal request for financial compensation through the PFAS litigation process or settlement funds.

Judicial systems handling PFAS lawsuits and approving final settlements.

A federal law regulating hazardous waste management, relevant to PFAS disposal.

A law giving the EPA authority to regulate new and existing chemicals, including PFAS.

A firefighting foam often containing PFAS chemicals that can leach into groundwater.

Refers to laws and actions (e.g., CERCLA) for cleaning up hazardous substances, including PFAS pollution.

Lawsuits brought by individuals who suffer health problems from PFAS exposure, potentially involving local governments and PFAS manufacturers.

Contact Stag Liuzza today to learn how we can help your water system secure crucial settlement funds, protect public health, and comply with rapidly evolving federal guidelines for PFAS contamination.

Don’t wait—early action is key to preventing further environmental harm and safeguarding your community from serious health risks. Reach out now for a free consultation and discover how California can benefit from the Phase 2 PFAS Settlement.

One Canal Place

365 Canal Street

Suite 2850

New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone:  (888) 513-7545

COPYRIGHT © 2025 STAG LIUZZA, LLC • ALL RIGHTS RESERVED •

Cleangroundwater.com is operated and provided by Stag Liuzza, LLC responsible attorneys Michael G. Stag and Ashley M. Liuzza. Stag Liuzza, LLC is officed in New Orleans, LA, and our attorneys are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice, or to establish an attorney-client relationship with us unless and until a Contract for representation is signed. The attorneys of Stag Liuzza are licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi and may associate counsel licensed in other jurisdictions as necessary.

Past results do not guarantee any similar result or outcome in your claim. Each claim is different.

The best information about the settlement details and deadlines can be found in the court record concerning the settlement and relevant court orders.