Water Law Experts.
Your Rights. Protected.
From PFAS litigation to municipal compliance, Hydrology University provides the legal expertise, regulatory knowledge, and industry network you need to navigate the most complex water issues of our time.
Why Legal Representation Matters Now More Than Ever
The water industry is at an inflection point. New PFAS regulations, multi-billion dollar settlements, and emerging contamination technologies like AxNano's on-site PFAS destruction systems are reshaping the legal landscape faster than most organizations can keep up. Meanwhile, a landmark review of 141+ studies has revealed alarming levels of nano- and microplastics in bottled water — with no regulatory framework to address it. The legal stakes have never been higher.
Whether you're a homeowner discovering PFAS in your well water, a municipality racing to meet EPA compliance deadlines, or a business facing contamination liability — you need advisors who understand both the science and the law. That's exactly what we provide: the intersection of deep water science knowledge, regulatory expertise, and legal strategy that gets results.
Practice Areas
Comprehensive legal and consulting services across every aspect of water law, regulation, and compliance.
PFAS & Forever Chemical Litigation
Representation for communities, municipalities, and individuals affected by PFAS contamination. We understand the science behind the regulations and the legal strategies that win.
- Municipal water system contamination claims
- Military base PFAS exposure suits
- Industrial discharge liability
- Consumer product contamination
Municipal Compliance & Regulation
Helping water utilities and municipal systems navigate the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape — from EPA MCL deadlines to state-level PFAS bans.
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance
- State regulatory filings and permits
- Compliance deadline strategy
- Rate increase justification for infrastructure upgrades
Contamination & Liability Claims
If your water has been contaminated by industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, or aging infrastructure, you may have legal recourse. We evaluate claims and pursue accountability.
- Groundwater contamination from industrial sites
- Agricultural runoff and nitrate exposure
- Lead pipe and infrastructure negligence
- Private well contamination
Water Rights & Property Law
Complex water rights issues including riparian rights, prior appropriation, groundwater access, and disputes between property owners, municipalities, and developers.
- Riparian and appropriative water rights
- Groundwater access disputes
- Developer impact on local water resources
- Interstate water compact issues
Environmental Impact & Permitting
Guidance on environmental impact assessments, discharge permits, NPDES compliance, and navigating the intersection of water law and environmental regulations.
- NPDES permit applications and renewals
- Environmental impact statements for water projects
- Clean Water Act compliance
- Wetland and watershed protection
Product Liability — Water Systems
Legal guidance for claims involving defective water treatment products, misleading filtration claims, or equipment that fails to meet safety standards.
- Defective filtration product claims
- Misleading purity or certification claims
- Water system failure and property damage
- Consumer protection actions
Latest Water Law Developments
Stay informed on the regulatory changes, court rulings, and scientific findings shaping water law.
EPA Keeps PFOA/PFOS Limits at 4 ppt, Extends Compliance Deadline to 2031
EPA will maintain 4 ppt MCLs for PFOA and PFOS while rescinding standards for four other PFAS chemicals. Compliance deadline extended from 2029 to 2031.
Camp Lejeune: 480,000+ Claims Pending, Settlement Matrix Expected by Late 2025
Only $38.8 million paid to ~400 plaintiffs so far out of 480,000+ claims. Track 1 trial cases proceeding for bladder cancer, kidney cancer, leukemia, and Parkinson's disease.
EPA Announces $3 Billion for Lead Pipe Replacement Under New LCRI Rule
New FY2025 funding brings total IIJA allocation to $15 billion. All water systems must replace lead service lines within 10 years under the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements.
Global PFAS Regulations: 2025-2026 Compliance Guide for Manufacturers
Comprehensive overview of PFAS regulatory requirements across the US, EU, and global markets as enforcement deadlines approach.
Hidden Health Risks of Nano- and Microplastics in Bottled Water
Concordia University review of 141+ studies reveals bottled water consumers ingest up to 90,000 more plastic particles annually — with zero regulatory oversight for NMPs.
EPA Defends Lead Pipe Replacement Rule in Federal Court
The Trump administration chose to uphold the Biden-era lead pipe rule despite broader deregulation efforts. 4 million lead service lines identified nationally.
Landmark Water Law Cases & Regulations
Understanding the legal precedents that shape water rights, contamination liability, and regulatory enforcement.
3M PFAS Settlement — $10.3 Billion (2023)
3M agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion over 13 years to settle PFAS contamination lawsuits brought by U.S. public water systems. The settlement covers testing and remediation costs for communities whose water was contaminated by PFAS from firefighting foam and industrial use.
Significance: Established that manufacturers bear financial responsibility for PFAS contamination in public water systems.
DuPont / Chemours PFAS Settlement — $1.19 Billion (2023)
DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva collectively agreed to pay $1.19 billion to settle claims from U.S. water providers related to PFAS contamination from the manufacture and use of PFOA and GenX chemicals.
Significance: Reinforced that chemical manufacturers face multi-billion dollar liability for forever chemical contamination.
Flint, Michigan Water Crisis — Ongoing Litigation
Multiple lawsuits stemming from the 2014 switch to Flint River water, which corroded lead pipes and contaminated drinking water for over 100,000 residents. A $626 million settlement was approved in 2021.
Significance: Demonstrated that government entities can be held liable for infrastructure decisions that compromise water safety.
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination — PACT Act (2022)
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act allows veterans and family members exposed to contaminated water at the Marine Corps base between 1953-1987 to file claims. Contamination included TCE, PCE, benzene, and vinyl chloride.
Significance: Created a federal pathway for individuals to seek compensation for historic water contamination on government property.
EPA PFAS MCL Rule — Enforceable Standards (2024)
The EPA finalized Maximum Contaminant Levels for six PFAS chemicals, setting limits as low as 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS — the strictest drinking water standards ever set for these substances.
Significance: Transformed PFAS from a 'contaminant of concern' into a legally enforceable standard with compliance deadlines and penalties.
Wolverine World Wide — $69.5 Million (2023)
Wolverine World Wide agreed to pay $69.5 million to settle claims that its use of 3M's Scotchgard contaminated drinking water in communities near its Michigan manufacturing facilities.
Significance: Extended PFAS liability beyond manufacturers to companies that used PFAS-containing products in their operations.
Key Water Regulations & Standards
The federal and state regulations that govern water quality, treatment standards, and contamination liability.
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
EPAPrimary federal law ensuring the quality of drinking water in the U.S. Authorizes EPA to set maximum contaminant levels.
Clean Water Act (CWA)
EPARegulates discharges of pollutants into U.S. waters and establishes surface water quality standards.
PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation
EPASets legally enforceable MCLs for six PFAS compounds including PFOA and PFOS at 4 ppt.
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)
EPARequires water systems to replace lead service lines and strengthens tap water testing protocols.
CERCLA (Superfund) — PFAS Designation
EPAPFOA and PFOS designated as hazardous substances, enabling federal cleanup authority and cost recovery.
State-Level PFAS Product Bans
Various StatesMaine, CO, VT, MN, CT, and NM have enacted bans on PFAS in consumer products effective 2026.
NPDES Permit Program
EPANational Pollutant Discharge Elimination System controls water pollution by regulating point source discharges.
Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
EPAProvides EPA with authority to require reporting, testing, and restrictions on chemical substances including water contaminants.
The Hydrology University Advantage
Science-Backed Expertise
Our team combines environmental chemistry PhDs, water quality engineers, and regulatory specialists. We don't just understand the law — we understand the science behind it.
Industry Network
Deep connections with EPA officials, state environmental agencies, water utility operators, and leading remediation technology companies like AxNano give our clients a strategic advantage.
Results-Driven Approach
From initial assessment to resolution, we focus on practical outcomes — whether that's winning a contamination claim, achieving regulatory compliance, or protecting your water rights.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you're facing a water contamination issue, need compliance guidance, or want to understand your legal options — our team is ready to help. Initial consultations are confidential and no-obligation.
Hydrology University connects clients with qualified water law attorneys and environmental consultants. Attorney-client privilege applies to all legal consultations.
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