Allentown is expected to receive more than $3.5 million in court settlements involving major chemical producers such as 3M, DuPont, Chemours and Corteva over PFAS contamination of Allentown’s primary water sources. The PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, are chemical compounds that are difficult to break down and are present in the air for many years. The persistence of PFAS has led to serious health issues for the public throughout the United States.

For Allentown residents, the settlement is essential due to its direct connection with drinking water safety as well as long-term health protection. Contamination of a water source impacts entire communities. That’s why accountability and legal recourse are crucial and are often highlighted by the Allentown legal professional when the public’s health is at risk. Our experienced Allentown personal injury lawyers explain where settlement funds come from, how they will be utilized, and what it will mean for the residents who live there.

What Is the PFAS Settlement and Why Did Allentown Receive It?

Lawsuits Against 3M, DuPont, and Chemical Spinoffs

The settlement is part of nationwide litigation over PFAS pollution in public water systems. In 2023, 3M reached a $10.3 billion national settlement to resolve claims brought by cities and water authorities across the United States. Those claims involved the cost of scrubbing PFAS from drinking water supplies contaminated by chemicals manufactured by the company.

Allentown is getting over $2.6 million from just 3M, which accounts for two of the ten payments set up in a settlement framework.’ Further annual payments are also anticipated through 2033. The money is to be used for PFAS contamination, not for general municipal needs.

Along with 3M’s contribution, DuPont and its spinoff companies, Chemours and Corteva, will contribute nearly $500,000 under a cost-sharing agreement. It’s not a grant or state funding we receive; it’s funds from lawsuits over contamination. The settlement is the result of a lawsuit filed to reverse the financial burden on public water systems.

PFAS Contamination in Allentown’s Water Supply

The contamination in question is related to Crystal Spring, one of Allentown’s four most significant sources of water. Testing by the Lehigh Project Authority detected trace levels of PFAS chemicals in the drinking water. Concentrations between 3.1 and 4.6 parts per trillion (ppt) of PFPeA and up to 3.1 ppt of PFHxA were detected.

Those levels are above the very stringent four parts per trillion drinking water limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency for some PFAS compounds. The numbers may be relatively small, but enough to count. It’s a little like drinking water for 40 million people being contaminated by one drop in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools.

PFAS build up in the body and resist breaking down naturally, so even low levels are seen as posing concerns to regulators and health experts. The presence of such chemicals in Crystal Spring called for practical, sustainable treatment options, not short-term solutions. This is the backdrop for why Allentown became eligible for settlement funds.

How the Settlement Will Be Used and Its Impact on Public Health

Funding a New Water Treatment Facility

The settlement money is specifically set aside to help fund a new water treatment plant to address the PFAS issue at Crystal Spring. The total washroom reno project is expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Although the settlement is not complete, it would be a significant portion of the financial burden on those who pay rates.

The facility design and construction are the responsibility of The Lehigh County Authority; it’s anticipated that this work will be completed no later than the end of 2027. The project is also part of the Authority’s larger capital program for 2026–2030. It’s a long-term investment in clean drinking water, not a short-term band-aid.

When treated, the water supply from Crystal Spring will comply with current and future regulations. This is a long-term investment to keep residents safe. The settlement supports this effort by providing funds linked to the contamination there.

What This Means for Health and Community Safety

Scientists have tied PFAS exposure to an array of health problems, including liver damage, immune system effects, and some cancers. Although research is still ongoing, the E.P.A. said that most Americans have been exposed to some level of PFAS. This serves as an example of how prevalent the issue is across the country.”

The problems in Allentown are a symptom of a broader environmental issue rather than an exception. In 2019, a Pennsylvania survey found PFAS contamination in about three-quarters of the tested streams across the state. These results demonstrate the challenges associated with the remediation of PFAS in natural waters.

The settlement is not an admission that prior exposure resulted in specific injuries to residents. Instead, it can be considered a first step toward mitigating future risk and averting continued exposure. Attention is kept on infrastructure upgrades and on protecting public health in the long term.

Conclusion

In Allentown, settlements pave the way toward solving water contamination and long-term health concerns. The $3 million PAAS settlement will be vital in mitigating the city-wide issue of contaminated drinking water – it will see cities take greater responsibility for their suspected role in this crisis. The money will go toward key infrastructure improvements to enhance drinking water quality and reduce future risk from unsafe substances, officials said. The agreement isn’t risk-free, but it provides significant funding for prevention and cleanup.

Litigation plays a role in keeping corporations accountable when public health is at stake, something an Allentown personal injury attorney often stresses in cases involving environmental harm. Residents need to remain informed and vigilant. Lehigh Valley Medical Malpractice Lawyers continue to focus on accountability, patient safety, and the appropriate application of public health protections as a priority.