Companies Challenge Wausau’s PFAS Lawsuit, Citing Firefighting Foam Use

Several companies facing a lawsuit over PFAS contamination in Wausau’s drinking water are arguing that the city should share responsibility for cleanup costs.

In counterclaims filed in the city’s lawsuit against local industries, the companies point to a separate 2023 case in which Wausau alleged that firefighting foam used by its fire department contributed to PFAS contamination in municipal wells. The companies contend those earlier allegations support their argument that the city may bear some responsibility under federal environmental cleanup law. They deny responsibility for the contamination attributed to their operations.

Wausau has spent tens of millions of dollars addressing PFAS in its water supply and is seeking to recover costs from companies it alleges contributed to the contamination. PFAS were detected in all six of the city’s municipal wells in 2019, according to the city’s lawsuit.

The litigation was transferred to federal court in South Carolina in 2025 because it overlaps with broader nationwide litigation involving firefighting foam containing PFAS. Separately, Wausau recently agreed to accept a $300,000 settlement from Wausau Paper. It was not clear from the available court and city records whether that agreement also resolves the company’s counterclaims.

The remaining claims and counterclaims are unresolved. The allegations against the companies, as well as their claims against the city, have not been established as findings of liability.