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Written By: Robert King, Esq.
Legal Review By: Mike Stag, Esq.
The Reese AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit
See If You Qualify

The Reese AFB water contamination lawsuit addresses the discovery of toxic substances, primarily PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the water supply at Reese Air Force Base. Military personnel, their families and civilian workers who worked at the base in Texas have reported severe health issues, including multiple types of cancer. The lawsuit seeks compensation for all affected individuals and repercussions for the culprits. 

Reese Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Located near Lubbock, Texas, Reese Air Force Base (AFB) was established in 1941 and played a significant role in U.S. Air Force training efforts. Named after 1st Lt. Augustus Frank Reese Jr., the base has a rich history.

Reese AFB was selected for closure under the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure decision and officially shut down on September 30, 1997.

However, Reese AFB has also faced significant criticism over water contamination and other environmental issues. Years of using cleaning solvents for aircraft maintenance as well as AFFF (used or firefighter training) caused a groundwater contamination plume extending several miles off the base. The Air Force employed a Performance-Based Remediation contract to clean it up, supposedly reducing the plume by 99 per cent in eight years. 

Recent Updates on the Reese AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

July 18, 2024: The judge overseeing the AFFF lawsuit, which is closely related to PFAS water contaminations, scheduled key expert testimonials for October 2024 and March 2025. This new timeline is believed to increase the likelihood of settlements in this well-known case.

January 10, 2024: Reese Air Force Base is investigating PFAS water contamination beyond the base’s immediate area.

January 27, 2021: Mike Jackson, a resident of Lubbock, became the lead plaintiff in a federal class action lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers. The chemicals, used at the former Reese AFB near his house, contaminated his water well and soil (that he used to grow fruit & vegetables). 

June 9, 2019: Lubbock residents are still in the dark about the health effects from Reese water contamination. 

January 21, 2018: Water well contamination detected outside of former Reese Air Force Base. 19 private wells are believed to be affected.

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Historical Background of Toxic Exposure at Reese AFB

Environmental issues at Reese AFB go back to the base’s early years. Training activities led to groundwater contamination, which, in turn, affected drinking water. The use of AFFF firefighting foam, containing PFAS, has been a major contributor to water contamination all over the US. 

PFAS are chemicals known for not breaking down in the environment. These substances have been used extensively in firefighting foams at military bases, including Reese AFB, and have leached into the groundwater over time, posing significant health risks to those exposed. 

Reese AFB Water Contamination Map

This map shows the spread of the PFAS plume from Reese AFB 3.5 miles into the surrounding areas.

Contaminants Found in Reese AFB Drinking Water

Sampling identified the presence of PFAS in Reese AFB’s water supply. 

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that include PFOA, PFOS, and others.

The following PFAS were found at Reese AFB: 

  • PFOA: Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic chemical belonging to the group of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Prolonged exposure to PFOA has been linked to cancer, liver damage, immune system dysfunction and developmental problems. 
  • PFHxS: Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid is a synthetic chemical and a member of the PFAS family. It has a variety of industrial applications and consumer products, such as firefighting foams and industrial-grade stain repellents. Exposure to PFHxS has been linked to adverse health effects, including hormonal disruptions, immune system impairments, pregnancy and developmental issues and serious liver damage.

Current Water Quality at Reese Air Force Base

During the most recent testing, levels of PFHxS and PFOA in the blood of Lubbock County EA residents were 4.2 and 1.2 times national levels, respectively. Other PFAS were not significantly elevated. 

All tap water samples from Lubbock County private wells in 2020 met the EPA’s Health Advisory and TCEQ’s protective concentration levels for specific PFAS in drinking water.

Water Treatment Efforts at Reese AFB

PFAS contamination (PFHxS and PFOA), was first detected in Lubbock private wells in 2017. The contamination likely started earlier, but no data before 2017 is available. From 2017 to 2019, measures implemented by the Air Force successfully decreased PFAS levels in the base’s drinking water.

Cleanup efforts at Reese AFB included sampling over 500 drinking water wells and installing 220 whole-house drinking water treatment systems on affected wells. The Air Force needed to ensure residents had access to safe drinking water, adhering to the EPA’s Lifetime Health Advisory and TCEQ’s Protective Concentration Levels for PFAS.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Reese AFB

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water at Reese AFB has been linked to serious health risks.

Prolonged PFAS exposure is known to lead to:

  • Increased risk of kidney, liver, blood, testicular, breast and thyroid cancers.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Elevated cholesterol levels.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Pregnancy complications.
  • Development issues in children.
  • Weakened immune function.

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

Eligibility Criteria for Reese AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

To qualify for the water contamination lawsuit, individuals must prove long-term exposure to the contaminated water at Reese AFB. This typically requires proof of being stationed at or living near the base for 6 months or longer. Medical records linking current health conditions to the contaminants found at Reese AFB will also be required.

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

  • Kidney Cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Testicular Cancer
  • Thyroid Cancer
  • Thyroid Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis

If you were stationed at Reese Air Force Base during a time of water contamination and developed a related illness, contact us today. With a free, no-obligation consultation, you can confirm your eligibility and learn more about next steps toward filing a claim and potentially earning compensation. .

Reese AFB Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Settlement amounts for the Reese AFB lawsuit and other water contamination cases vary greatly. The payouts are usually calulated based on the severity of the health impact and the duration of exposure. Please remember that there is always a risk of not receiving any compensation at all.

However, based on our past cases, settlements usually range between $30,000 to $500,000. Victims can usually expect compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and legal expenses.

How to File a Reese AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

Before filing a lawsuit, affected individuals and/or their family members are strongly advised to consult an experienced attorney. 

Contact King Law for a free case evaluation, and we will guide you through the lawsuit process for your Reese AFB case.

Evidence to Support Your Claim

Evidence for a Reese AFB water contamination claim includes medical diagnoses, proof of treatment, water testing results, witness testimonials and military service/residence records. Documentation of symptoms, loss of employment or consortium and any related expenses can also strengthen the case.

Statute of Limitations for Reese AFB Water Contamination Claims

The statute of limitations for filing a Reese AFB water contamination claim varies by state and the specifics of your individual case. It is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss the deadline. 

Reese Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers

Hiring a specialized lawyer is crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape of a water contamination lawsuit. At King Law, our team has decades of relevant expertise. If you have been affected by water contamination at Reese AFB, get in touch, and we will let you know if you qualify for a lawsuit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about contamination at Reese Air Force Base with the following frequently asked questions.

Is Reese AFB water safe to drink?
Official sources say that the Reese AFB water meets safety standards. However, as with many other military water contamination cases, recent tests confirmed the presence of PFAS in the water supply. It’s important to remember that PFAS don’t break down in the environment and are very hard to get rid of.
What are the toxins found at Reese AFB?
Key toxins discovered at the base belong to the PFAS family. They pose significant health risks to people who are exposed to them for extended periods of time.
Is Reese AFB a Superfund site?
Yes, indeed, Reese AFB has been designated a Superfund site by the EPA.
What is the lawsuit for Reese AFB?
The lawsuit seeks fair compensation for health conditions associated with PFAS exposure from contaminated drinking water at Reese military base. Military personnel, civilian workers and their families are likely eligible to file a lawsuit.
What are the environmental issues at Reese AFB?
Environmental concerns at Reese AFB include soil and water contamination stemming from firefighter training activities. PFAS is the primary contaminant at Reese AFB.
What are the deadlines for filing a claim in the Reese AFB lawsuit?
Deadlines for filing a claim vary by state and the circumstances of your case.
What types of health problems are linked to the Reese AFB water contamination?
Health issues linked to PFAS exposure include various cancers, kidney disease, liver disease, allergies, pregnancy and developmental issues and other serious diseases.
What evidence do I need for the Reese AFB lawsuit?
Required evidence includes medical records, proof of residency or employment at Reese AFB and potentially expert testimonies.
How long will the Reese AFB lawsuit process take?
The lawsuit process can be lengthy. It can last for multiple months to multiple years. Consult with a lawyer to determine a realistic timeframe for your case.