#United States #Carrier Global #South Carolina #PFAS #Archroma

Major Settlements to Address PFAS Contamination in U.S. Public Water Systems

On October 1, 2026, Simpluris, Inc., serving as the Court-appointed Notice Administrator, announced significant developments in the ongoing struggle against PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) contamination affecting drinking water across the United States. Four proposed settlements have emerged from the Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) Products Liability Litigation, collectively offering more than $149 million in restitution. This initiative is crucial in aiding Public Water Systems (PWS) that supply clean water to millions of Americans. The settlements have been reached involving several prominent defendants, including Carrier Global Corporation, Archroma U.S., Inc., Amerex Corporation, and Nation Ford Chemical Company, all of whom deny liability for the contaminations.

What Does the Settlement Entail?

The proposed settlements will allocate funds as follows:

• - Carrier Global Corporation: $129.2 million, plus potential net insurance proceeds related to water supply.
• - Archroma U.S., Inc.: $14 million.
• - Amerex Corporation: $4 million.
• - Nation Ford Chemical Company: $1.875 million.

The exact amount received by each eligible Public Water System will depend on the applicable allocation procedures and the claims submitted.

Who Is Eligible?

The settlements are open to all active Public Water Systems in the United States that either:
1. Have at least one water source impacted by PFAS as of July 31, 2026.
2. Are required to test for specific PFAS compounds under the UCMR-5 regulation or serve more than 3,300 people as per the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

Certain Public Water Systems may be excluded, and comprehensive definitions of eligibility can be found at the dedicated Settlement Website.

What Actions Are Required?

To benefit from these settlements, eligible Public Water Systems must take specific steps:

• - Submitting Claims: PWS must furnish necessary claim information to the claims administrator to receive payment. Public Water Systems that have previously submitted information for earlier settlements can re-submit or update their details as needed.
• - Objecting to the Settlements: If a PWS does not opt-out, they are entitled to voice objections regarding the settlements until November 23, 2026.
• - Opting Out: Public Water Systems wishing to forgo participation in one or more settlements must submit a Request for Exclusion by December 22, 2026. Excluding itself means the PWS won’t receive funds from that settlement but retains the right to pursue individual claims independently.
• - Taking No Action: Those PWSs that make no action will remain in the settlements and be obliged by their terms and releases.

Looking Ahead

The Court is slated to conduct a Final Fairness Hearing on January 15, 2027, at 10:00 a.m. EST to determine the approval of these settlements. While attendance is not required, interested parties may follow the proceedings as the date approaches.

Conclusion

These settlements mark a significant step in addressing the pressing issue of PFAS contamination in United States water supplies. With over $149 million on the table, eligible Public Water Systems have a pivotal opportunity to strengthen their efforts toward providing safe drinking water for their communities. Detailed information about the settlements is accessible on the official website, where individuals can also find guidance on claims, eligibility, exclusions, and key deadlines.