You could receive a share of the $4.9 million settlement over contaminated drinking water—check if you are eligible

Some residents in one East Coast state may soon see money flowing their way, not just through their taps. A $4.9 million settlement has been approved after thousands of households learned their drinking water contained unsafe levels of industrial chemicals.

The payments aim to compensate those who faced extra costs for bottled water, filters, and even medical consultations. So, how did this contamination happen, and who exactly stands to benefit? Let’s break it down.

When the water turned worrisome​

It all started back in October 2021, when Middlesex Water Company sent out a notice that caught the attention of many. The company revealed that its drinking water supply had tested above New Jersey’s legal limit for a chemical called PFOA, a member of the notorious PFAS family. The state’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFOA is 14 parts per trillion (ppt), but Middlesex’s water clocked in at a whopping 36.1 ppt.

PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) is one of thousands of PFAS chemicals, sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body. These chemicals have been used in everything from nonstick pans to waterproof jackets, and yes, even the wristband on your smartwatch. But their durability comes at a cost: mounting research links PFAS exposure to a host of health problems, including cancer, immune system issues, and reproductive harm.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies PFAS as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there’s strong evidence they can cause cancer in humans. And while PFAS have been found in water systems across the country, New Jersey has been at the forefront of regulating these chemicals, setting some of the nation's strictest limits.

When Middlesex Water Company’s PFOA levels exceeded the state’s threshold, the company advised residents—especially infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems—to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. That’s not just an inconvenience; it’s an added expense, especially for those already dealing with health challenges.

A community demands accountability​

One Middlesex customer, who was already facing serious health issues, took action. After consulting with his doctor and switching to bottled water, he filed a lawsuit to recover the out-of-pocket costs he’d incurred—doctor’s visits, water filters, and all those bottles of water. But he didn’t stop there. He asked the court to require Middlesex Water Company to reimburse all high-risk residents for their expenses and to provide relief for all 61,000 customers affected by the contamination.

The case grew, eventually encompassing a similar lawsuit against chemical giant 3M, a major manufacturer of PFAS. The largest settlement of its kind in New Jersey history, according to Inside Climate News.

Also read: Could your gut bacteria help protect you from toxic "forever chemicals"?

Inside the $4.9 million settlement​

If you’re one of the 61,000 Middlesex Water customers, you could be eligible for a payout ranging from $50 to $2,500, depending on your circumstances and expenses. The settlement is designed to reimburse residents for costs related to the water contamination—think doctor’s appointments, bottled water, and water filters.

Attorney Stephen DeNittis, who represented the lead plaintiff, called the settlement “a great recovery for Middlesex Water customers who otherwise would have been forced to bear the expense of paying for consultations with doctors, bottled water, water filters, or similar costs incurred as a result of the water quality violations.”

PFAS: a national concern with local consequences​

This case is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to PFAS in US drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been under pressure to tighten regulations, but recent moves to roll back standards for some PFAS chemicals have sparked concern among health experts and environmental advocates.

PFAS contamination isn’t just a New Jersey problem but a national issue. Studies have found these chemicals in the water supplies of millions of Americans, and the health risks associated with them are still being uncovered. If you’re curious about your own water, the EPA and many state agencies offer resources to check local water quality reports.

Also read: This everyday food could help flush "forever chemicals" from your body, researchers say

What residents can do now​

1. Check Your Eligibility​

If you’re a Middlesex Water customer, keep an eye out for official communications about the settlement. You may need to file a claim to receive your share.

2. Gather Your Receipts​

If you’ve spent money on bottled water, filters, or medical consultations due to the contamination, collect your receipts. This documentation could increase your payout.

3. Stay Informed​

Water quality issues can crop up anywhere. Sign up for alerts from your local water provider and check annual water quality reports.

Read next:

• Are you drinking toxic water? A top doctor reveals a shocking find in 60% of American homes!
• Are you at risk? This chemical in your drinking water could increase your cancer risk by up to 33%!
• Is your tap water safe? What to know about the boil water warning affecting thousands

Key Takeaways

• Around 60,000 New Jersey residents will share in a $4.9 million settlement after finding dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals—well above state health limits—in their drinking water supplied by Middlesex Water Company.
• The lawsuit was sparked in 2021 when the company detected PFOA, a type of PFAS chemical, at over double New Jersey's maximum contaminant level and warned customers of associated health risks, including cancer and impacts on the immune and reproductive systems.
• Affected residents who had to buy bottled water, water filters, or see doctors due to the contamination are eligible to claim between $50 and $2,500 as part of the payout, making this the largest settlement of its type in the state.
• The EPA’s intention to roll back regulations on certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water has increased concern among experts, as these carcinogens are already prevalent in many water systems across the country.

What steps have you taken to ensure your water is safe? Have you tested for PFAS or invested in home filtration? Share your experiences and concerns about water quality in your community below.