A family in Hazelbrook, Prince Edward Island, has filed a lawsuit against the provincial government after discovering significant contamination of their well water with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.

” The Jenkins family, who live on a 130-acre farm about 10 kilometres east of Charlottetown, say provincial testing in January of last year revealed PFAS levels of 606.6 nanograms per litre in their drinking water—around 20 times higher than Health Canada’s benchmark.Following the findings, the province warned the family not to drink the water and began supplying bottled water.

The lawsuit, filed on May 27, seeks damages that could exceed $1-million per family member, along with compensation for property damage and full remediation of a nearby waste disposal site suspected to be the contamination source.

According to the statement of claim, the province was responsible for overseeing the site, which had accepted industrial and construction waste containing PFAS and was located roughly 150 metres from the family’s home.The province launched broader PFAS testing in 2023 ahead of updated federal guidance, but the legal threshold remains unenforceable.The family alleges that despite early warnings and requests for support, government responses have been limited.

The Jenkinses also report elevated PFAS levels in their blood tests conducted in the United States, with readings significantly above levels associated with increased health risks in some studies.

PFAS chemicals, used in products such as non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked in research to cancers, immune effects, and developmental issues.While PFAS-related litigation is increasing in Canada, most large-scale legal action has so far occurred in the United States.The provincial government has declined to comment on the case, citing ongoing court proceedings.