The Connecticut Water Company, based in Clinton, has landed $7.6 million in settlement funds from big chemical manufacturers. This comes as part of a national effort to fight PFAS contamination—those infamous “forever chemicals.”
The payments help, but they barely scratch the surface. Connecticut water systems will need an estimated $190 million to address the issue, so the challenge is far from over for local communities.
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This blog breaks down the settlement details, the scope of PFAS in Connecticut, and the ongoing struggle to safeguard public water.
PFAS Settlements Reach Connecticut
In 2025, Connecticut Water got almost $6.5 million from 3M Co. and about $1.15 million from DuPont. These payouts followed a nationwide lawsuit against chemical companies accused of polluting water with PFAS.
California-based H2O America, the utility’s parent company, revealed the settlements in a third-quarter earnings report.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used for decades in things like non-stick pans, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foam. These chemicals stick around in the environment, contaminate water, and have been tied to health problems—cancer, liver damage, developmental issues, and more.
The National Push for Accountability
Connecticut Water isn’t alone here. Utilities across the country are trying to make chemical manufacturers pay for years of pollution.
Settlements have sent millions to other states, but the cleanup costs are still overwhelming for most utilities.
The Financial Gap in Cleanup Costs
Even with the $7.6 million, Connecticut Water faces cleanup costs that could top $190 million. Most of that bill will still fall to the utility and, ultimately, its customers.
The settlement money only covers a small piece of what’s needed. PFAS cleanup isn’t simple—it requires advanced filtration tech, and towns from Clinton to Middletown are still figuring out their options.
Impact Across Connecticut Communities
Connecticut Water serves places like Colchester, East Hampton, and Avon, but PFAS contamination pops up across the state. Neighboring towns such as Old Saybrook are dealing with it too.
Bigger cities like Hartford and New Haven are watching test results closely, even though their water comes from different suppliers.
What Are PFAS and Why They’re Called “Forever Chemicals”
People call PFAS “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in nature. In rivers and reservoirs from Norwich to Waterbury, you’ll find traces—usually from decades-old industrial activity.
Once PFAS get into drinking water, removing them gets expensive and complicated.
Health Risks and Public Awareness
Researchers have linked PFAS exposure to all sorts of health issues, including:
- Higher cholesterol
- Weakened immune systems
- Thyroid disease
- Some cancers
- Developmental problems in infants and kids
People are worried, and that’s pushed state agencies and water utilities to find contamination sources, install treatment systems, and try to stop further exposure.
Looking Ahead for Connecticut Water
Connecticut Water plans to use the settlement funds to help pay for treatment. But with PFAS affecting areas from Killingworth to Torrington, they’ll probably need more money.
State officials are looking at federal grants and infrastructure programs to help. Meanwhile, the company is running outreach programs to teach residents about PFAS, the risks, and what’s being done to keep drinking water safe.
A Broader Battle in Environmental Safety
The PFAS challenge isn’t just Connecticut’s problem. Still, the state’s mix of coastal and inland water systems makes things trickier than you’d expect.
Utilities here juggle immediate safety worries with the tough financial realities of cleanup. It’s not a simple balancing act, and there’s no easy fix.
For towns like Clinton, Portland, and Glastonbury, this fight is a public health mission. It’s also a testament to their grit in protecting local environmental resources.
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Here is the source article for this story: CT Water receives $7.6M in PFAS contamination settlements; faces $190M in treatment costs
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