New Milford, Connecticut
Water Quality Information
Is New Milford's Water Contaminated?
Tests performed on public and private water sources in New Milford, Connecticut have revealed that certain water sources contain dangerous levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or "PFAS" chemicals. Specifically, tests performed by public water provider Aquarion that Aquarion publicly disclosed show PFAS levels in the water originating from some of Aquarion's own wells at levels higher than the newly announced EPA limits. Additionally, tests performed by private citizens on water from their own wells and soil on their properties have shown PFAS levels in excess of the limits set by the EPA and state authorities. Connecticut's DEEP has also found dangerous levels of PFAS in at least one private well in New Milford.
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These results are significant because PFAS exposure has been shown to lead to adverse health outcomes. For example, PFAS has been shown to lead to increased incidence of certain types of kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and thyroid cancer. Exposure to PFAS has also been linked to hormonal disruptions affecting growth, reproduction, and metabolism, and immune system impacts that can reduce vaccine effectiveness and increase infection risks as well as elevated cholesterol levels, risk of heart disease, and developmental delays and behavioral changes in children.
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What is being done?
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Several New Milford, Connecticut residents retained Connecticut law firm Silver Golub & Teitell LLP and filed two class action lawsuits against a water provider (Aquarion) and an industrial paper mill owner (Kimberly-Clark) allegedly responsible for exposing them and the New Milford community at large to dangerous levels of PFAS. This exposure, according to the lawsuits, have resulted in contamination of the plaintiffs' property (i.e., their land and water supply) and bodies. These parties sued are the Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut.
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Aquarion Water Company Lawsuit. A class action lawsuit was filed against the Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut ("Aquarion") and alleges that Aquarion failed to ensure that the water they have served to Connecticut residents--including New Milford residents-- is free of dangerous levels of PFAS. The action is Vincent v. Aquarion Water Company of Connecticut, No. UWY-CV-24-6076640-S and is pending in Connecticut Superior Court.
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Kimberly-Clark Corporation Lawsuit. An additional class action lawsuit was filed against Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark"), a Texas-based company that has maintained a paper mill in New Milford, CT for decades. The lawsuit alleges that the Kimberly-Clark paper mill has contaminated the surrounding area with PFAS via emissions from the smokestacks of the paper mill and from leaching of PFAS from a landfill created and maintained by Kimberly-Clark north of the paper mill. The action is DePaul et al. v Kimberly-Clark Corporation, No. 3:24-cv-00271-KAD (D. Conn.) and is pending in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.
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To learn more about either class action, visit the Pending Litigation page.
What can you do?
Get your water tested. Stay informed.
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Class actions are successful when motivated, well-informed groups of individuals are willing to push forward for the benefit of the community at large. If you live in or around New Milford, Connecticut and would like to:
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Learn about how to get your water tested;
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Potentially participate in one of the above class actions; or
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Have information you believe would be helpful to the case
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Please contact Silver Golub & Teitell LLP today by filling out the contact form to the right or visiting the Contact Us page and one of our attorneys will review your information and reach out if appropriate.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are widely used long lasting chemicals which break down very slowly over time. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, PFAS is often in the blood of people and animals all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment.
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PFAS are found in water, air, fish, and soil at locations across the nation and the globe. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals, and they are found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products.
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PFAS exposure has been linked to increased occurrences of cancer and other negative health outcomes for humans.
How does PFAS exposure occur?
Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can occur through several pathways. One primary route is the ingestion of contaminated drinking water, which can happen when water sources are polluted by industrial discharges or firefighting foam runoff. Consuming food that has been exposed to PFAS, such as fish, dairy products, and produce grown in contaminated soil, is another significant source.
Additionally, everyday products like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics can release PFAS into the environment, leading to exposure. Occupational exposure is a risk for workers in industries that manufacture or use PFAS. Inhalation of dust and air containing PFAS particles can also contribute to overall exposure