3M Settles for Up to $12.5 Billion Over Water Contamination

The settlement, receiving final court approval, will compensate U.S. water systems for PFAS pollution and fund contamination testing.

3M to pay $10.5 billion to $12.5 billion in settlement over PFAS contamination in U.S. public drinking water systems.
Settlement receives final approval from U.S. District Court, payments to begin in the third quarter and continue through 2036.
PFAS, used in firefighting foam and consumer products, linked to health issues like liver and immune-system damage and some cancers.
3M plans to cease all PFAS production by end of 2025, aiming to reduce risk and uncertainty.
The settlement will help water providers filter PFAS from systems and fund testing for additional contamination.