As WZQZ News reported last week, a federal judge has cleared the way for thousands of current and former Summerville water customers to continue pursuing claims against several major chemical companies over costs connected to PFAS contamination in the city’s drinking water.

The ruling is an important step in the ongoing litigation, but it does not mean the companies have been found liable or that customers will immediately receive compensation.

What Did The Judge Decide?

U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash Jr. denied requests from several chemical manufacturers, including 3M, Daikin America, DuPont and Chemours, to dismiss key parts of the lawsuit before trial.

In simple terms, the companies did not lose the case, but they were unsuccessful in getting the customers’ claims thrown out.

The judge determined that factual disputes remain and that those issues may be considered by a jury as the case moves forward.

What Are Summerville Water Customers Seeking?

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of approximately 4,500 current and former Summerville water customers.

The plaintiffs argue that PFAS contamination forced the City of Summerville to spend millions of dollars on water treatment and remediation efforts. According to the lawsuit, those expenses were passed along to customers through higher water rates.

The customers are seeking reimbursement for past increases in their water bills, arguing that the companies allegedly responsible for the contamination should bear those costs instead of local ratepayers.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of manufactured chemicals commonly called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment.

PFAS have been used for decades in products designed to resist grease, heat, water and stains. Those products have included nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, firefighting foam and materials used in textile manufacturing.

The lawsuit alleges that PFAS entered the Raccoon Creek watershed, which has served as a drinking water source for Summerville, through industrial operations and wastewater discharges associated with the Trion area.

Does The Ruling Mean Customers Will Receive Money?

Not yet.

The federal judge’s ruling does not award damages and does not determine that any defendant is legally responsible for the contamination or the increased water costs.

The ruling simply means the customers’ claims may continue through the legal process rather than being dismissed before trial.

A jury could eventually be asked to decide whether the remaining companies are liable and, if so, how much compensation should be awarded.

How Does This Relate To Earlier Settlements?

The ruling is separate from earlier settlements involving other parties in the case.

Previous settlements involving Pulcra Chemicals, Huntsman International, Mount Vernon Mills and the Town of Trion established assistance intended to provide eligible Summerville water customers with temporary access to clean drinking water through bottled water or filtration options while the larger case continues.

Those settlements did not resolve the claims against the remaining chemical companies, including 3M, Daikin America, DuPont and Chemours.

Why The Decision Matters

The ruling keeps alive one of the most significant environmental and consumer cases affecting Chattooga County in recent years.

If the water customers ultimately prevail, the remaining defendants could be required to compensate them for costs connected to PFAS treatment and increased water rates.

For now, however, no final ruling on liability has been made, no damages have been awarded, and the case remains ongoing.