Water Contamination Lawyers

ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

Water Contamination

Our firm has built a nationally recognized reputation through the complex environmental contamination cases we handle every day, including water system and groundwater pollution claims, and our consistent success in achieving results for the communities we represent.

Water systems should provide safe, reliable drinking water, not expose communities to hidden chemical risks. When contamination affects groundwater and public supplies, the consequences can last for decades. Partner with a law firm that understands complex environmental litigation.

What Is Water Contamination?

Water contamination occurs when harmful chemicals enter drinking water sources such as groundwater, rivers, or municipal systems.

Unlike temporary pollutants, chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane are particularly concerning because they:

persist in the environment for long periods
migrate through soil and groundwater
resist traditional water treatment methods
may accumulate over time

These characteristics allow contamination to spread far beyond its original source, sometimes affecting entire regions.

PFAS AND 1,4-DIOXANE LITIGATION FOR COMMUNITIES AND WATER SYSTEMS

Water contamination can affect entire communities for years before it is fully understood.

Across the United States, public water systems, municipalities, and private property owners are discovering contamination caused by industrial chemicals such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. These substances can move through groundwater, persist in the environment, and create long-term health and financial risks.

Stag Liuzza represents public entities and communities facing complex water contamination issues, including claims involving PFAS “forever chemicals” and 1,4-dioxane exposure.

If your water system has been impacted, understanding the source of contamination and your legal options is critical.

WHO WATER CONTAMINATION CAN IMPACT

WATER CONTAMINATION MAY AFFECT:

Public water systems and municipal utilities

Cities and local governments

Private well owners

Property owners with contaminated land

Communities near industrial facilities

Residents facing long-term infrastructure and cleanup costs

PFAS Contamination and “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals used in industrial processes and consumer products for decades.

They are commonly associated with:

firefighting foam used at airports and military bases
chemical manufacturing facilities
industrial waste disposal
certain consumer and commercial products

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of potential health concerns, including immune system effects, liver damage, and increased risk of certain cancers.

Once released, PFAS can enter groundwater and drinking water systems, creating long-term contamination challenges for communities.

1,4-Dioxane Contamination in Drinking Water

1,4-dioxane is a synthetic chemical used as a solvent and stabilizer in industrial processes. It is also found as a byproduct in products such as detergents and cleaning agents.

Unlike many contaminants, 1,4-dioxane:

dissolves easily in water
does not bind well to soil
moves quickly through groundwater

This allows it to spread beyond initial contamination sites and affect drinking water supplies.

Government agencies have identified 1,4-dioxane as a likely human carcinogen, with studies linking exposure to liver and kidney damage and increased cancer risk.

Because it is difficult to remove using conventional treatment methods, contamination can require costly long-term solutions.

Who May Be Affected by Water Contamination?

Water contamination cases often involve large-scale exposure rather than isolated incidents.

Affected parties may include:

public water systems and municipal utilities
cities and local governments
private well owners
property owners with contaminated land
communities located near industrial sites

In many cases, contamination impacts thousands of residents and requires significant infrastructure upgrades to address.

Ongoing PFAS and Water Contamination Litigation

PFAS contamination has become one of the largest environmental litigation areas in the country.

Major settlements have already been reached involving public water systems, with additional claims still being pursued.

However, many contamination issues remain unresolved, particularly for:

groundwater remediation
wastewater treatment systems
emerging contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane
sites involving multiple responsible parties

As scientific understanding continues to evolve, new claims and legal strategies continue to emerge.

Damages in Water Contamination Cases

Water contamination can create both immediate and long-term costs.

Potential damages may include:

installation of filtration or treatment systems
long-term monitoring and testing
groundwater remediation
replacement of contaminated wells or infrastructure
property damage and loss of value
public health response costs

Because these cases often involve widespread contamination, the financial impact can be substantial.

Why These Cases Are Complex

Water contamination litigation is often highly technical.

Cases involving PFAS and 1,4-dioxane may require:

environmental testing and modeling
hydrogeological analysis of groundwater movement
identification of multiple responsible parties
review of decades of industrial activity
coordination with regulatory standards and evolving science

Many cases also involve multiple defendants, including manufacturers, distributors, and industrial operators.

Why Choose Stag Liuzza As Your Water Contamination Lawyers?

Water contamination cases combine environmental science, regulatory frameworks, and complex litigation against large corporate defendants. Responsible parties often have decades of operational history, and identifying the source of contamination requires detailed investigation and expert analysis.

Stag Liuzza handles complex environmental litigation involving PFAS, 1,4-dioxane, and other groundwater contaminants. Our team works with environmental scientists, hydrogeologists, and technical experts to trace contamination pathways and build cases designed to hold polluters accountable.

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That level of preparation strengthens our position in negotiations and helps ensure communities and water systems recover the resources needed to address long-term contamination.

TRIAL VICTORY

Results That Speak

$12.5 Billion

3M settlement for public drinking water systems

In March 2024, 3M finalized a settlement of up to $12.5 billion for U.S. public water suppliers to address PFAS contamination. The agreement covers water systems with current or future detections of "forever chemicals," with funds supporting testing, filtration, and infrastructure improvements.

$1.056 Billion

Exxon Mobil Corp. v. Grefer

Jury verdict for property owners whose land was contaminated with radioactive materials from oil and gas operations.

$15 Million

Verdict for Injured Pipeyard Worker

Verdict for pipeyard worker who contracted lung cancer from exposure to Radium-226 and other radioactive materials.

$6 Million

Settlement for Commercial Auto Injury

Settlement for commercial auto injury case involving a large insurance company.

View More Case Successes

No fee unless we win. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Our Attorneys

Meet the Team

With decades of combined experience in environmental law, toxic torts, and complex litigation, Stag Liuzza's attorneys have the expertise to take on the most challenging cases.

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Michael G. Stag

CEO & Managing Partner

Over $16 billion in settlements and more than $1 billion in jury verdicts recovered for clients. Pioneered the field of oilfield cleanup litigation. Appointed by judges to leadership for several nationwide litigations.

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Ashley M. Liuzza

COO & Partner

Appointed co-lead class counsel in major environmental cases. Extensive PFAS litigation experience. Helps people who developed meningioma as a result of being prescribed Depo-Provera.

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Merritt Cunningham

Partner

Leads the pharmaceutical and medical device division. Extensive MDL and mass tort experience. Represents thousands of firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure.

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Matthew D. Rogenes

Partner

Partner and trial lawyer. Trial and settlement experience in trucking cases and maritime personal injury. Recently recovered over $20 million for clients.

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READY TO TALK?

If your community, property, or water system has been impacted by contamination, Stag Liuzza is here to help you understand your legal options and pursue accountability.

Get in Touch

Contact Stag Liuzza

Ready to discuss your case? Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

Office

One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130

Phone

(504) 593-9600