SL Environmental Law Group announced on June 18, 2025, that funds from the historic 3M and DuPont water settlements are being released to relieve water providers of some of the financial burden of removing PFAS from drinking water. These settlements resulted from the AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL No. 2873), where SL represented more than 280 public agencies, investor-owned utilities, and other impacted systems.

Most water systems qualifying under Phase 1 of the settlements are now receiving about 20% of their total awards from 3M, with additional payments to follow. SL expects nearly $1 billion in recoveries for its clients from these settlements alone, with more expected from other manufacturers later this year. “These settlements will help communities across the country address the devastating costs of PFAS contamination,” said Ken Sansone, senior partner at SL, noting they mark only a first step in broader accountability efforts.

The firm has been working for nearly a decade to hold PFAS manufacturers accountable, representing more than 280 public agencies and securing over $2 billion in settlements and trial awards to date. Leveraging its deep knowledge of water utilities and contamination litigation, SL has helped clients maximize recovery, in some cases doubling expected awards and identifying 1,600 additional eligible water sources.

As funds are distributed, utilities that detect PFAS contamination after the 2023 settlement announcements remain eligible to participate before the 2026 claims deadline. SL also encourages agencies affected by PFAS in wastewater, soil, airports, landfills, and fire training facilities to retain counsel to pursue claims and maximize recovery.

Source:WaterWorld

Date:July 9, 2025