Des Moines explores new "forever chemical" lawsuits

Driving the news: Council members last week agreed to retain New York law firm Grossman & Kelly to investigate potential damages related to PFAS and firefighting foam and gear, as well as separate claims involving microplastics and tobacco waste.

Context: PFAS are a large family of human-made chemicals used for decades to resist heat, water, and grease.

• They have been detected in metro water sources.

How it works: City manager Scott Sanders tells Axios that the law firm will hire geologists and other experts to investigate at no up-front cost to the city.

• If Des Moines recovers money, the firm would receive 33% plus certain costs.

State of play: The city hasn't yet said what will be tested or whether lawsuits could involve other metro utilities.

• "These cases are in the early stages, and the city will make these decisions with the advice of outside counsel and their experts," Sanders tells Axios.

Meanwhile, Grossman & Kelly is pursuing similar potential claims in Columbus and Avon, Ohio.

By the numbers: A 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study estimated that at least 45% of U.S. tap water contains PFAS.

The big picture: PFAS litigation has resulted in multibillion-dollar settlements from companies such as 3M and DuPont.

Zoom in: DSM Water Works was awarded about $9.7 million from 3M in 2025, while West Des Moines Water Works expects roughly $2.3 million from several PFAS settlements, though some remain pending.

• Central Iowa Water Works is pursuing replacement wells for the A.C. Ward treatment plant after PFAS was detected in several shallow wells, but officials say finding PFAS-free groundwater has proven difficult.

What we're watching: What contamination the city finds, how much it could cost taxpayers, and which companies Des Moines might ultimately target.