Recovering PFAS Remediation Costs for Public Water Systems

New EPA mandates require action, but you shouldn't have to pay for it alone. We ensure your district claims the funds it is owed before the settlement window closes.

The Settlement Opportunity

Critical Requirements

Our firm is currently assisting water districts with claims related to the multi-billion dollar settlements against PFAS ("forever chemicals") manufacturers. Public water systems that did not detect PFAS in their water supply until after the settlements against 3M, DuPont, and others were announced in June 2023 remain eligible for the settlements.
Participating systems will need to prepare significant documentation within specified time frames. It is critical to act quickly to ensure your district does not miss the opportunity to recover costs for testing and remediation.
We are committed to helping utilities navigate this complex process. If you want further information regarding your system's eligibility or the filing requirements, please reach out to us.

Eligibility Criteria

All community public water systems are eligible for the 3M and DuPont drinking water settlements unless they detected PFAS in their water supplies before the settlements were announced at the end of June 2023. Water systems must have a Public Water System (PWS) ID issued under the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
Contact us

Funding Categories & Deadlines

Action Fund
Primary remediation funding for systems with qualifying PFAS detections after the June 2023 (UCMR5 or systems serving >3,300). Reimbursement for Baseline Testing: Deadline March 31, 2026. Remediation & Infrastructure Claims: Deadline July 31, 2026. Projected Payouts: Starting Q4 2027.
Special Needs Fund
Supplemental Fund
Extra compensation for systems facing extraordinary, pre-existing PFAS detection and remediation costs. Covers: Offline wells, new well drilling, flow rate reduction, or supplemental water purchases. Deadline: All claims must be filed by August 1, 2026. Requires detailed documentation of past capital expenditures.
A long-term safety net (7% of total settlement) for systems currently showing no PFAS or results within federal/state Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Covers: Future detections exceeding federal/state MCLs. Extended Deadline: Claims accepted through December 31, 2030.
Public water systems must act now to secure their portion of the 3M and DuPont settlements. Bartlett Law Offices, P.C. provides the legal and technical expertise to navigate these requirements.

DEADLINE ALERT

JULY 31, 2026 To receive reimbursement for PFAS remediation, Phase II Action Fund Claim Forms are due July 31, 2026.
AUGUST 1, 2026 For money already spent to address PFAS detections, Phase II Special Needs Fund Claim Forms are due August 1, 2026.
MARCH 1, 2026 To claim the costs of testing for PFAS, Phase II Testing Claim Forms are due March 31, 2026.
Contact us

What is PFAS?

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence and stability in the environment. PFAS are classified as possible human carcinogens that do not break down in nature or the human body. Exposure is linked to reproductive and developmental damage, liver and kidney disease, immunological effects, and tumors.

UCMR5 Testing Requirement

The new Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5) required public water suppliers serving more than 3,300 people (plus a representative sample of 800 smaller systems) to test for 29 PFAS compounds between January 2023 and December 2025. Our firm will assist you in maximizing your recovery from available settlement funds to offset these mandated testing and cleanup costs.
In April 2024, the EPA established the first-ever legally enforceable limits for six PFAS "forever chemicals" in drinking water. Public water systems must now adhere to the following Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs):

PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation

2027 Monitoring: All systems must complete initial testing and begin public reporting of PFAS levels. 2029 Implementation: Systems exceeding these limits must have treatment solutions in place.
CHEMICAL
MCL
PFOA & PFOS
4 ppt each
PFNA, PFHxS, GenX
10 ppt each
Mixture containing two or more (PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, GenX)
Hazard Index of 1.0

Why Choose Us?

We offer a national authority in environmental law combined with deep scientific expertise.
Nationally recognized legal authority with a B.A. in Hydrogeology and former NSF Research Fellow; dual-boarded NBTA certified trial attorney with over 100 jury verdicts
Expert in national mass torts and corporate defendant litigation; secured a landmark $16 million verdict in nursing home neglect
Defended over 100 class actions; currently represents 60 public water systems in the PFAS drinking water settlement

Kenneth Bartlett, Esq.

Trial Counsel

David Grossman, Esq.

Trial Counsel

Charles Platt, Esq.

Senior Strategic Advisor

Former Branch Chief at CT Department of Public Health; initiated CT’s PFAS programs and managed $400 million in federal infrastructure funding

Lori J. Mathieu

Public Health & Regulatory Expert