COLORADO
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS PHASE 2 PFAS SETTLEMENT

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

HOW MUCH COULD YOUR PWS RECEIVE?

The settlement administrator will evaluate factors such as:

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

Colorado cities with high PFAS scores could qualify for a 4x multiplier on their PFAS settlement awards, potentially unlocking millions of dollars for their PWS.

A list of Colorado PWS’s that qualify for the 3M and DuPont settlements is provided at the end of this page.

Estimated Flow Rates:

We estimate flow rates are approximately 1,500 GPM per 10,000 people served.

This is an estimate and there may be variation due to many factors including commercial use of the water system.

The actual flow rate is known by the water utility.

Flow Rate (gpm) / PFAS Score 100 250 500 1,000 1,500 5,000 10,000 25,000 50,000 100,000 300,000
2 $36,240 $70,013 $115,244 $189,694 $253,898 $603,369 $993,106 $1,918,881 $3,157,910 $5,196,296 $11,436,561
4 $145,785 $281,723 $463,713 $763,253 $1,021,550 $2,427,216 $3,994,261 $7,714,149 $12,687,352 $20,855,641 $45,758,953
10 $148,252 $286,489 $471,559 $776,166 $1,038,832 $2,468,269 $4,061,800 $7,844,507 $12,901,569 $21,207,290 $46,527,259
50 $164,724 $318,320 $523,950 $862,394 $1,154,236 $2,742,397 $4,512,775 $8,714,863 $14,331,681 $23,554,481 $51,652,815
100 $185,313 $358,108 $589,437 $970,176 $1,298,484 $3,085,022 $5,076,399 $9,802,456 $16,118,368 $26,485,901 $58,047,466
250 $247,082 $477,467 $785,890 $1,293,499 $1,731,188 $4,112,663 $6,766,639 $13,062,886 $21,472,088 $35,263,074 $77,149,868
500 $350,027 $676,390 $1,113,285 $1,832,294 $2,452,225 $5,824,623 $9,581,606 $18,489,120 $30,373,873 $49,834,987 $108,717,963
750 $452,968 $875,299 $1,440,643 $2,370,993 $3,173,089 $7,535,613 $12,393,952 $23,905,608 $39,249,406 $64,336,461 $139,954,105
1000 $555,906 $1,074,195 $1,767,967 $2,909,596 $3,893,781 $9,245,635 $15,203,680 $29,312,376 $48,098,804 $78,768,005 $170,863,503

The ranges provided in the 3M Estimated Allocation Range Table are based on data publicly available at the time of the Settlement, reasonable assumptions, and good faith estimates. The ranges presented in this Table are not the actual settlement awards that will be allocated to each Impacted Water Source because: certain data is not publicly available; the full extent of Impacted Water Sources is unknown; and the extent of participation in the settlement among putative members of the Settlement Class is unknown.

STAG LIUZZA: PROVEN RESULTS

Stag Liuzza has decades of experience handling environmental litigation nationwide. The judge overseeing the national AFFF PFAS litigation appointed Mike Stag to the PEC. Our PFAS lawyers have secured billions in settlements from 3M and DuPont. 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 settlement claim. Stag Liuzza’s track record includes:

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

Colorado municipalities have the opportunity to access vital funding through Phase 2 of the national PFAS settlement with 3M and DuPont. This funding is essential for PWS to reimburse PFAS-related costs, conduct water testing, implement remediation plans, and establish long-term protection against PFAS contamination.

Missing key deadlines will forfeit settlement funds owed to Colorado public drinking water systems, and put significant financial strain on both systems and rate payers.

drawing of a public water tower

PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS: PFAS SETTLEMENT - KEY INFORMATION

Colorado’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, including firefighting foam, electronics, and packaging, contain PFAS. This contributes to environmental contamination and serious health risks.

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

The Phase 2 Public Water System Settlement provides essential funding for Colorado 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, helping protect their water systems. Acting promptly reduces the financial burden of treatment measures and ensures compliance with federal PFAS standards.

KEY DEADLINES FOR
COLORADO WATER SYSTEMS:

JANUARY 1, 2026

JULY 1, 2026

JULY 31, 2026

AUGUST 1, 2026

DECEMBER 31, 2030

Phase Two Testing Claims Form

Phase Two Baseline Testing

Phase Two Action Fund Claims Form

Phase Two Special Needs Claims Form

Final deadline for Phase Two Supplemental Claims.

JANUARY 1, 2026

Phase Two Testing Claims Form

JULY 1, 2026

Phase Two Baseline Testing

JULY 31, 2026

Phase Two Action Fund Claims Form

AUGUST 1, 2026

Phase Two Special Needs Claims Form

DECEMBER 31, 2030

Final deadline for Phase Two Supplemental Claims.

Time is Running Out!

Secure critical funding today. PWS cannot wait to take action later. This settlement is the only opportunity to receive funds from 3M and DuPont.

BENEFITS OF FILING FOR
THE PHASE 2 SETTLEMENT?

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

01.

REDUCED FINANCIAL
BURDEN:

Settlement awards alleviate expensive out-of-pocket expenses for municipalities, saving customers from substantial rate hikes. The settlement pays a PWS even if the PFAS detection levels are below the EPA 4 ppt standard.

02.

PROTECT PUBLIC
HEALTH:

Early identification and treatment of drinking water contaminated with PFAS can limit adverse outcomes for public drinking water systems.

03.

ENSURE
COMPLIANCE:

The EPA has set a national standard of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. Public drinking water systems are required to test pursuant to UCMR-5. National Clean Drinking Water Act standards will apply to most PWS.

04.

LONG-TERM COMMUNITY
SAFEGUARD:

Address PFAS contamination proactively and secure funds necessary to respond to unfunded national mandates.

UNDERSTANDING PFAS CONTAMINATION

PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl 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.

image of a body

HEALTH EFFECTS OF
PFAS EXPOSURE

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 CONTAMINATION & REMEDIATION IN COLORADO

PFAS chemicals are widely used across various industries, including firefighting foam (aqueous film-forming foam), food packaging, and other everyday products. Over time, these harmful chemicals have seeped into drinking water supplies, contaminated groundwater, and even private drinking water wells throughout Colorado.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other 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. Colorado municipalities must take swift action to meet these federal guidelines, mitigate legal exposure, and protect public health.

Public drinking water systems in Colorado can expect to receive millions of dollars in settlement funds needed to respond to PFAS in its water sources. The 3M and DuPont Phase 2 settlement offers financial support necessary to avoid passing the bill to taxpayers and rate payers.

colorado counties map
hand witha straw going into a cup drawing

ESTIMATED SETTLEMENT AWARDS:

Municipalities with any detectable PFAS and significant flow rates could qualify for awards in millions.

MULTIPLIER EFFECT:

Municipalities with any detectable PFAS and significant flow rates could qualify for awards in millions.

Without action, Colorado PWS’s with detectable levels of PFAS may face long-term consequences, including increased public health risks, regulatory action, reduced property values, and significant financial burdens.

DON'T RISK LOSING FUNDING FOR
COLORADO'S PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS

Municipalities across Colorado face potential remediation expenses in the tens of millions. Litigation to recover costs from the PFAS industry is ongoing at the federal level. The AFFF Product Liability Litigation is the national case that resulted in the $13.6 Billion settlement with 3M and Dupont.

Public water systems in Colorado risk losing out on millions of dollars if they fail to take legal action. Specifically, water systems must meet not only the settlement deadlines, but also evaluate any unsettled damage claims. These claims include costs to public waste water and sewage treatment systems. Many defendants in the litigation have not settled with public drinking water systems in the hope that they will fail to take action. Public water systems that fail to act before the deadlines will forfeit their claim to millions of dollars in funding.

Therefore, public water systems must take immediate action to protect their financial interests.

MEET EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER, MIKE STAG

Mike Stag, a member of the court-appointed Executive Committee for PFAS litigation, currently represents PWS in 26 states to claim their share of the $13.6 Billion settlement fund.

STEPS FOR FILING A PFAS CLAIM

For Colorado municipalities and public water systems, filing a settlement claim and joining the ongoing litigation is a critical step in securing the financial and legal protections your community needs. Below is a brief overview for municipal water systems looking to recover costs related to PFAS:

01

Test Each Water Source for PFAS

  • Arrange for reputable laboratory testing to determine PFAS concentration levels in your public water sources. The settlement terms require testing of each PWS water source.
  • The settlement pays the PWS if there are any positive detections, even below the EPA’s 4 ppt standard.

Stag Liuzza may be able to help cover the costs of testing.

02

Retain Experienced PFAS Counsel

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

03

File Your PFAS Settlement Claim

  • 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 and secure settlement funds.
image of contamination in groundwater

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is a nationwide agreement that provides funding and cost recovery to public water systems. Colorado PWS’s can file settlement claims to receive financial support to pay for or reimburse costs related to testing, remediation, and regulatory compliance.

Specific PFAS chemicals of major concern include PFOA and PFOS, although new PFAS compounds continue to emerge. The national settlement with 3M and DuPont pays systems for any detections related to many different PFAS chemicals.

Exposure to PFAS in drinking water has been linked to kidney cancer, thyroid issues, immune system disruptions, and other significant health problems

Water systems qualifying for the Phase 2 settlement are listed in an exhibit to the Master Settlement Agreement for 3M and DuPont. The amount of money each water system will receive depends on factors like PFAS concentrations and flow rates. Completing PFAS testing in each water source is crucial to recovering money.

Reimbursement for settlement testing costs is expected the first quarter of 2026. Action fund payments are expected to start the fourth quarter of 2026.

GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS

PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

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

Forever Chemicals

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

PFAS Exposure

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

PFAS Claim

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

Federal Court/District Court

Judicial systems handling PFAS lawsuits and approving final settlements.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

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

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

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

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

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

Comprehensive Environmental Response

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

Personal Injury Claims

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

FIND YOUR PWS

PWS Name PWSID PWS Type Primary Source Population Served
COLORADO SPRINGS UTILITIESCO0121150CWSSurfacewater464111
WESTMINSTER CITY OFCO0101170CWSSurfacewater192878
BROOMFIELD CITY AND COUNTY OFCO0107155CWSSurfacewater106153
CENTENNIAL WSDCO0118015CWSSurfacewater103444
CASTLE ROCK TOWN OFCO0118010CWSSurfacewater99757
LONGMONT CITY OFCO0107485CWSSurfacewater99629
LOVELAND CITY OFCO0135485CWSSurfacewater76378
DURANGO CITY OFCO0134150CWSSurfacewater35150
CANON CITY CITY OFCO0122100CWSSurfacewater34800
ASPEN CITY OFCO0149122CWSSurfacewater31100
GOLDEN CITY OFCO0130040CWSSurfacewater29635
BRECKENRIDGE TOWN OFCO0159020CWSSurfacewater28315
LEFT HAND WDCO0107471CWSSurfacewater21452
LOUISVILLE CITY OFCO0107487CWSSurfacewater20975
WOODMOOR WSDCO0121950CWSSurfacewater17694
SUPERIOR MD NO 1CO0107725CWSSurfacewater17170
MT WERNER WDCO0154524CWSSurfacewater16980
ESTES PARK TOWN OFCO0135257CWSSurfacewater16722
EVERGREEN MDCO0130030CWSSurfacewater15750
FT LUPTON CITY OFCO0162291CWSSurfacewater15465
BLACK HAWK CITY OFCO0124147CWSSurfacewater15167
MONTEZUMA WCCO0142900CWSSurfacewater13797
FT MORGAN CITY OFCO0144005CWSSurfacewater12000
WELLINGTON TOWN OFCO0135838CWSSurfacewater11500
TRINIDAD CITY OFCO0136800CWSSurfacewater11400
ALAMOSA CITY OFCO0102100CWSGroundwater11271
PAGOSA AREA WSDCO0104300CWSSurfacewater11069
ROXBOROUGH WSDCO0118055CWSSurfacewater10622
NORTH TABLE MOUNTAIN WSDCO0130105CWSSurfacewater10000
CRAIG CITY OFCO0141188CWSSurfacewater9901
SNAKE RIVER WDCO0159105CWSGroundwater9900
MORRISON TOWN OFCO0130085CWSSurfacewater9887
GLENWOOD SPRINGS CITY OFCO0123314CWSSurfacewater9428
IDAHO SPRINGS CITY OFCO0110020CWSSurfacewater9390
MERIDIAN SERVICE MDCO0121455CWSGroundwater8814
CORTEZ CITY OFCO0142200CWSSurfacewater8700
LAMAR CITY OFCO0150700CWSGroundwater8600
WOODLAND PARK CITY OFCO0160900CWSSurfacewater8500
WOODMEN HILLS MDCO0121930CWSGroundwater8474
GYPSUM TOWN OFCO0119329CWSSurfacewater7764
BERTHOUD TOWN OFCO0135138CWSSurfacewater7540
PARKVILLE WDCO0133700CWSSurfacewater7500
EAGLE TOWN OFCO0119233CWSSurfacewater6961
MANITOU SPRINGS CITY OFCO0121450CWSSurfacewater6938
WINTER PARK WSDCO0125843CWSSurfacewater6635
SNOWMASS VILLAGE WSDCO0149717CWSSurfacewater6353
SALIDA CITY OFCO0108700CWSSurfacewater6000
TRIVIEW MDCO0121840CWSGroundwater5649
GRAND COUNTY WATER NO 1CO0125323CWSSurfacewater5400
LIMON TOWN OFCO0137015CWSGroundwater5080
CASTLE PINES VILLAGE MDCO0118005CWSGroundwater5074
NEW CASTLE TOWN OFCO0123538CWSSurfacewater5024
MONTE VISTA CITY OFCO0153600CWSGroundwater4600
MID VALLEY MDCO0119508CWSGroundwater4500
YUMA CITY OFCO0163020CWSGroundwater4049
PARK CENTER WDCO0122600CWSSurfacewater4000
HAYDEN TOWN OFCO0154333CWSSurfacewater3915
CENTRAL CITY CITY OFCO0124171CWSSurfacewater3750
BURLINGTON CITY OFCO0132005CWSGroundwater3720
PAINT BRUSH HILLSCO0221690CWSGroundwater3447

DON'T WAIT!
THE CLOCK IS TICKING.

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

Don’t wait—critical deadlines start in 2026. Reach out now for a free consultation and discover how Colorado can benefit from the Phase 2 PFAS Settlement.

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We take the bull by the horns and give you clear and practical advice. Personal, to the point, and in plain language. Any questions? Feel free to call or to drop by.

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Stag Liuzza fights industry giants across the country and holds them accountable for their actions. We strive to ensure that communities have access to safe drinking water, clean air, and a healthy environment.

www.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 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.

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