State litigation guide · Washington

PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit in Washington

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Statute of limitations — Washington

Washington has a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of discovery under RCW 4.16.080.

3 years from discovery of injury and PFAS connection

Filing venue

Where to File in Washington

Washington personal injury claims are governed by RCW 4.16.080, providing a 3-year limitations period from discovery. Federal PFAS claims proceed in MDL 2873 (D.S.C.). Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Pierce County is the primary military PFAS contamination source — the largest military base west of the Mississippi with extensive AFFF history from Army and Air Force operations. PFAS plumes from JBLM have been documented affecting Tacoma-Pierce County groundwater. Whidbey Island NAS in Island County is an additional military PFAS contamination site.

Washington data

Exposure in Washington

Joint Base Lewis-McChord's extensive Army and Air Force AFFF training operations have generated documented PFAS plumes in Pierce County groundwater, with potential exposure to Lakewood, DuPont, Steilacoom, and other Tacoma-area communities drawing from affected aquifers.

JBLM — largest military installation west of the Mississippi; PFAS plumes from Army and Air Force AFFF operations affecting Tacoma-Pierce County groundwater

Source: DoD PFAS Installation Database; WA Ecology PFAS Reports 2021–2022

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Island County has documented PFAS from AFFF firefighting operations, with potential exposure to Oak Harbor and Island County communities.

Whidbey Island NAS — Island County communities on Puget Sound with documented PFAS from Naval aviation AFFF operations at the Navy's premier electronic attack aircraft installation

Source: DoD PFAS Installation Database 2023

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