Alabama Water Utility Sues 30-Plus Flooring Companies Over Water Pollution

The Water Works and Sewer Board in Gadsden, Ala., has filed a lawsuit against more than 30 carpet and textile companies over pollution in the city’s water supply.

Media outlets report that the lawsuit, filed Sept. 22, says the companies are responsible for two chemicals in the city’s water supply, which has resulted in health advisories from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other groups.

The Alabama Department of Public Health recently told customers that exposure to elevated levels of two synthetic compounds, known as PFOS and PFOA, in the water can lead to health problems in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and infants.

The lawsuit alleges the companies are responsible for putting PFOS and PFOA into the water.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys say state agencies are working with the Water Works to monitor levels of the compounds.