San Francisco Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The San Francisco Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

San Francisco, a city with a deep history dating back to 1776, has grown into a major center for technology and finance. However, rapid industrial growth and a rising population have led to environmental issues, including water contamination. Aging infrastructure, industrial activities, and the use of toxic chemicals like PFAS have introduced harmful substances into the water supply. This has led to a wave of lawsuits from residents who developed serious health conditions after being exposed to the contaminated water.

San Francisco, California Water Contamination Overview

San Francisco was established in 1776 and has a rich cultural and economic history. It played a huge role during the California Gold Rush, which propelled the city’s growth and development. Today, it’s well-known as a hub for technology and finance with its renowned Silicon Valley and Golden Gate Bridge. 

Rapid industrialization and urban expansion have presented environmental challenges for those living and working in San Francisco, especially with water contamination. Aging sewage systems, a growing population, industrialization, and the use of toxic products like PFAS-containing firefighting foam have introduced toxins into groundwater and drinking water. Now, California residents are filing lawsuits after being exposed to toxic water and developing serious health conditions like cancer.

San Francisco Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

Across the United States, thousands of people are taking legal action after developing serious health problems from PFAS water contamination. Many of these individuals have developed serious health conditions, such as liver, testicular, thyroid, or kidney cancer, as well as thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. With the EPA’s newly enforced limits on PFAS, concerns over water safety in San Francisco have become increasingly urgent.

At King Law, we are committed to advocating for those affected by toxic drinking water in San Francisco. If you’ve lived or worked in the area for at least six months and have been diagnosed with any of these health issues, reach out to us to explore your eligibility and discuss the legal steps available to you.

About San Francisco, California Water Contamination:

History of Water Contamination in San Francisco, California

Learn more about the history of San Francisco water contamination: 

• 2024: According to the EPA, San Francisco currently struggles with PFAS, pesticides, mercury, and other metals and toxins at unacceptable levels in drinking water. 
• 2023: Hunters Point Annex groundwater tested positive for multiple times of PFAS including PFOA at 18,000 ppt and PFOS at 3,200 ppt. 
• 2022: High levels of PFAS in San Francisco Bay fish prompt discussion and involvement from the Bay Regional Monitoring Program and Clean Water Program. 
• November 2021: Bay Area investigations find that rising sea levels and historical landfills are introducing carcinogenic toxins into drinking water supplies. A senior engineering geologist for San Francisco’s Water Quality Control Board cited concerns about benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and other fuel components. 
• 2021: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database identified 13 total contaminants in San Francisco’s tap water, impacting around 800,000 people. Five of these toxins exceeded EWG Health Guidelines including carbon tetrachloride, chromium, haloacetic acids (HAA5 and HAA9), and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). 
• 2017: Groundwater testing at San Francisco’s Naval Station Treasure Island identified 10,750 ppt of PFOS and PFOA (new EPA limits are 4 ppt).
• 2004-2006: Some of the highest detected levels of PFOS globally were found in San Francisco Bay harbor seals and bird eggs.

Sources of Water Contamination in San Francisco

Here’s a look at some of the main sources of water contamination in San Francisco, California: 

Industrial activity: Industrial activity in San Francisco has significantly contributed to water contamination through the release of toxins into the environment. Manufacturing plants, refineries, and other industrial facilities have historically discharged waste products, including heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and synthetic chemicals like PFAS, into nearby water sources. These contaminants can seep into groundwater, rivers, and the bay, where they accumulate over time, posing serious health risks to residents. Additionally, runoff from industrial sites, especially during rainstorms, further spreads these pollutants into the city’s water supply, furthering the issue.

Military activity: Two major areas of concern with PFAS contamination include San Francisco military bases: Naval Station Treasure Island and Hunters Point Annex. The suspected source of toxic PFAS levels for both bases is the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam used during fire training exercises and to put out fires during incidents. When the foam is sprayed onto the ground, it seeps into soil and groundwater, impacting communities that rely on groundwater for their drinking water. 

Aging sewage infrastructure: San Francisco’s aging sewage infrastructure has impacted water quality, as deteriorating pipes and outdated treatment systems fail to properly process and contain wastewater. Then, untreated or partially treated sewage can leak into the environment, especially with heavy rain. This leakage can introduce harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into the city’s water sources, including groundwater and the bay, compromising water quality and posing health risks to the community.

San Francisco Water Contamination Map

Due to San Francisco’s location, bay water quality is a strong determining factor for community drinking water supplies. Changing sea levels elevate concerns as they can bring underground contaminants to the surface. Our water contamination map shows areas where there has been extensive PFAS contamination at military bases as well as changing sea levels throughout the bay area that are impacting drinking water for San Francisco communities. 

Contaminants Found in San Francisco Drinking Water

The main contaminants in San Francisco, California drinking water include: 

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination has been identified in San Francisco, California, where these synthetic chemicals, commonly found in products like firefighting foam, persistently linger in the environment and human body, earning them the label “forever chemicals.” 

In San Francisco, PFAS contamination in groundwater has raised concerns about the risks of prolonged exposure for residents. The health risks associated with PFAS are substantial, given their ability to accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to:

• Increased risk of cancer (especially kidney cancer and testicular cancer)
• Liver damage
• Thyroid disease
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Weakened immune system
• Pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and low birth weight

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5 and HAA9) 

Haloacetic acids are a concern in San Francisco’s drinking water due to their formation as byproducts of water disinfection processes. When chlorine or other disinfectants used to kill harmful microorganisms react with natural organic matter in the water, haloacetic acids can be produced. These compounds are persistent and can accumulate in the water supply, leading to potential long-term health risks for residents, such as:

• Increased risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Reproductive issues, such as birth defects or developmental problems
• Negative effects on fetal development during pregnancy

While the EPA has no legal limit for HAA5 and HAA9, the EWG recommended maximums are 0.1 ppb and 0.06 ppb, respectively. San Francisco has reached maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of 31.9 ppb for HAA5 and 39.5 ppt for HAA9. 

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 

TTHMs pose a risk in San Francisco’s drinking water primarily because they are byproducts of disinfectant processes, similar to HAAs. While disinfectants are essential for eliminating harmful pathogens, their reaction with natural substances can produce TTHMs, which may accumulate in the water supply over time. Exposure to high levels of THMs in drinking water has been associated with a range of serious health risks, such as:

• Increased risk of bladder cancer
• Higher likelihood of colorectal cancer
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Reproductive problems, including pregnancy complications and developmental issues in infants

The EWG’s recommended maximum limit for TTHMs is 0.15 ppb. San Francisco’s MCL has reached 41.1 ppb.

Current Water Quality in San Francisco, California

Recent San Francisco Annual Water Quality Reports indicate no toxins exceeded maximum contaminant levels. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some contaminants don’t have enforceable limits, which included PFAS until April 2024. Furthermore, individuals have already been exposed to toxins like PFAS for decades. And unfortunately, PFAS doesn’t break down in the body. 

Water Treatment Efforts

To address PFAS water contamination, San Francisco has banned PFAS from firefighting fear (May 2024). The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board and California State Water Board continue to work with local water agencies to monitor for PFAS and take remedial action when needed. More efforts are needed to completely remove unsafe levels of PFAS from California water, especially after the EPA’s new enforceable limits established in April 2024.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water in San Francisco

Extended exposure to PFAS-contaminated water in San Francisco has been linked to several severe health conditions. Research and case studies reveal a high incidence of kidney, testicular, thyroid, and liver cancers among those affected, as well as male breast cancer and prostate cancer. There is also a notable rise in cases of thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and various types of lymphoma, including non-Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s. 

It’s essential to undergo regular health check-ups, including cancer screenings and blood tests, to detect early signs of disease and manage symptoms related to toxic exposure. Inform your healthcare provider about any potential exposure to contaminated water and medical care as soon as possible if you detect symptoms of consuming contaminated water.

Eligibility Criteria for the San Francisco Water Contamination Lawsuit

To qualify for a personal injury lawsuit related to San Francisco water contamination, individuals must meet certain exposure and diagnosis requirements. Typically, you must have: 

• Proof you lived or worked in the affected area during the contamination period, with at least six months of toxic exposure.
• A diagnosis of health issues connected to toxic exposure, such as kidney, liver, testicular, or thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis.
• Documentation that supports your claim, including medical records of the diagnosis and evidence of residency or employment in the contaminated area during the specified time.

By working with an attorney experienced in environmental law, like those at King Law, you can confirm your eligibility for the San Francisco water contamination lawsuit.

San Francisco Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Settlement amounts for water contamination cases in San Francisco can vary significantly. Factors influencing the settlement include how long someone was exposed to the contaminated water, the severity of their health problems, and the duration of their residence or work in the area during the contamination.

Typically, settlements range from $30,000 to $300,000, with an average of around $250,000. Those with more severe health issues or stronger links to the contamination might receive higher amounts, potentially over $1 million, while those with less severe impacts may get between $30,000 and $75,000. For a detailed evaluation of your potential compensation, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.

How to File a San Francisco Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a water contamination lawsuit in San Francisco, California, involves a detailed process:

1. Gathering Essential Documentation: Collect evidence of your San Francisco residence or employment during the contamination period. This could include utility bills, lease agreements, or job records. Additionally, gather medical records that show any health issues related to the contamination, such as cancer or thyroid disorders. To bolster your claim, obtain environmental reports, public health notices, or government documents verifying the contamination in San Francisco’s water supply. Your attorney can assist with this process.
2. Consulting with a Specialized Attorney: Seek out an attorney with expertise in environmental law and a deep understanding of California’s legal system. They will guide you through filing a formal complaint in court and ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly.
3. Navigating California Law: In San Francisco, specific legal aspects include California’s statute of limitations, which usually mandates filing within two years of discovering the damage. Additionally, California’s Proposition 65 regulations, which require warnings about significant chemical exposures that may cause cancer or reproductive harm, might affect your case. At King Law, we can handle these complexities and ensure your lawsuit is filed accurately and effectively. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation.

Evidence to Support Your San Francisco Water Contamination Claim

You must have ample evidence to support your San Francisco water contamination claim. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve after wrongful exposure. Examples of documentation to support your lawsuit include: 

• Medical documentation: Records of diagnoses, treatment plans, and physician statements linking health conditions to water contamination.
• Proof of residence or employment: Utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records confirming your presence in San Francisco during the contamination period.
• Environmental studies and reports: Documents that detail the contamination levels in San Francisco’s water supply, including public health notices or government reports.
• Expert testimonies: Statements from medical professionals and environmental experts that support the link between exposure and health outcomes.
• Witness statements: Testimonies from others in the community who have experienced similar health issues, reinforcing the widespread impact of the contamination.

Consider working with a law firm that handles toxic torts, like King Law, for help collecting quality evidence and building the strongest claim possible. We are dedicated to working toward a successful outcome.

Statute of Limitations for San Francisco Water Contamination Cases

Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial for water contamination lawsuits, as it defines the deadline for when you must file to be eligible for compensation. Missing this deadline can prevent victims from receiving any financial recovery. The time limits differ by state and depend on the details of each case.

Because these deadlines can vary, it is important for water contamination victims to seek legal advice as early as possible. An experienced attorney can clarify deadlines and guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your case is filed on time. Consulting a lawyer early on helps protect your right to pursue a claim and betters your chances of a favorable outcome by providing enough time to gather evidence and prepare your case effectively.

San Francisco Water Contamination Lawyers

At King Law, we are dedicated to handling San Francisco water contamination claims with a special focus on cases involving PFAS and other dangerous chemicals in drinking water. Our legal team brings extensive knowledge of environmental law, allowing us to expertly handle the complexities of these cases. We provide comprehensive support throughout the legal process, from assessing your claim eligibility and gathering necessary documentation to delivering strong representation in court.

Recognizing the profound effects water contamination can have on health, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve. At King Law, our commitment is to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the justice and financial support you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about San Francisco, California water contamination with answers to these frequently asked questions: