Filtering ‘forever chemicals’ from water won’t be covered by major settlements, leading to higher utility bills
Homeowners on the Hook for Water Filtration Updates as “Forever Chemicals” Contaminate Drinking Water
Prepare to pay up, homeowners! Water utilities across the United States are discovering the presence of harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water, and it’s up to you to foot the bill for filtration system updates. These chemicals, known as PFAS, are notorious for their durability and adverse health effects.
For decades, PFAS have been used in various industries, from clothing and food packaging to firefighting and cookware. Unfortunately, they have now infiltrated nearly half of the country’s drinking water sources. Major manufacturers like 3M and DuPont have faced significant lawsuits over these perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, resulting in multi-billion dollar settlements.
Experts have even compared PFAS to asbestos due to their potential harm. However, the American Water Works Association estimates that nationwide treatment costs could reach a staggering $47 billion, while the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies predicts an annual cost of $6 billion.
Local governments have taken legal action against PFAS manufacturers, accusing them of knowingly contaminating water sources and endangering the public. During the legal proceedings, the companies argued that the detected levels of chemicals posed no harm. However, this hasn’t stopped local water sources from increasing utility costs for consumers.
According to the Wall Street Journal, places like Hawthorne, New Jersey; Wellesley, Massachusetts; and Wausau, Wisconsin have already experienced bill spikes ranging from 13% to 50%. These cost increases coincide with the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to enforce stricter regulations on PFAS detection and filtration.
But it’s not just homeowners who are feeling the financial strain. Businesses are also grappling with the fallout. A laundromat owner in Wausau had to raise washing machine costs, resulting in a loss of customers. Meanwhile, resident Jaime Pittsley switched to bottled water but still faces a water bill twice the normal amount.
“I don’t think residents should bear the brunt of these costs,” Pittsley expressed to the Wall Street Journal. “These companies should definitely be held accountable.”
Fortunately, Wausau is set to receive around $65 million from the settlements. However, hundreds of water sources covered in the litigation have chosen not to participate, either due to low PFAS levels or to retain the option of filing individual lawsuits against the companies. Legal experts warn that resolving these cases could take years and result in exorbitant lawyer fees.
Click here to read more from the Washington Examiner.
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