Tampa Bay Water to receive $21M in chemical settlement

Tampa Bay Water will receive more than $21 million from a nationwide class action settlement over PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals” linked to health and environmental hazards.

The settlement stems from a years-long legal fight against manufacturers 3M and DuPont, who were accused of contaminating public drinking water systems with the toxic chemicals. Tampa Bay Water joined the lawsuit in 2019 under the direction of its board, seeking to shield its member governments – and ratepayers – from the financial burden of future testing and treatment.

The litigation, led by Ventura Law, is part of a broader agreement totaling $13.7 billion between the two chemical giants and thousands of affected public utilities across the country. Tampa Bay Water’s confirmed share is $21.7 million, with attorneys estimating an additional $2 to $4 million still to be determined.

“This is great news for Tampa Bay Water and every person served by our member governments,” said Chuck Carden, the utility’s general manager. Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen, who chairs the Tampa Bay Water board, called the outcome a win for public health and for protecting the region’s water supply.

These are synthetic chemicals used for decades in consumer and industrial products ranging from nonstick pans to firefighting foam. They don’t break down easily in the environment, and their presence in water supplies has raised growing alarm due to links with cancer, liver damage and other serious health conditions.

According to Ventura Law CEO Augie Ribeiro, Tampa Bay Water’s decision to join the litigation early helped ensure a favorable outcome. “Nearly six years after that decision, I am proud to say this is a victory for all of us who rely on our drinking water supply,” he said.

Since July 2023, Tampa Bay Water has been testing for PFAS and found levels slightly above new federal standards at three locations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion will take effect in 2031.

In the meantime, the utility is finalizing a Water Quality Study with recommendations expected later this year.

Tampa Bay Water is Florida’s largest wholesale water supplier, delivering to more than 2.6 million people across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey. The funds from the settlement are expected to support ongoing PFAS monitoring and any future treatment upgrades needed to comply with the EPA’s new standards.

Settlements with other PFAS manufacturers are still pending.