PFAS Settlements of $11 Billion Only a Start for Water Utilities

Utilities facing financial hurdles from coming federal water limits for PFAS stand to receive a boost from an historic $11 billion in potential legal settlements, but that money isn’t likely to fully meet utilities’ needs, according to attorneys.

A tentative settlement by the 3M Co. of at least $10 billion prompted US District Judge Richard M. Gergel on June 5 to order a 21-day delay in the first bellwether trial in a multidistrict litigation PFAS case. The first of a group of lawsuits the judge has teed up consists of city, town, and local water agencies seeking money to remove ...