Milford City Council will consider participating in four proposed nationwide settlements over PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems when it meets Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Resolution 2026-685, listed on the council's meeting agenda, would authorize Milford to participate in proposed settlements with four companies: Carrier Global Corporation, Archroma U.S., Inc., Amerex Corporation and Nation Ford Chemical Company. The case involves per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public water systems.
The four settlements total more than $149 million, according to a notice issued by the court-appointed administrator. Carrier's share is $129.2 million, Archroma's is $14 million, Amerex's is $4 million and Nation Ford's is $1.875 million. The settling defendants deny liability, and the litigation continues against other defendants.
How much Milford would receive depends on a claims process.
Eligible public water systems must submit documentation to a claims administrator. The resolution also authorizes outside counsel to continue pursuing other PFAS-related claims beyond these four settlements.
Milford has been here before. Council unanimously adopted Resolution 24-652 in July 2024, joining earlier settlements with TYCO and BASF Corporation, according to meeting minutes from that month. City Manager Michael Doss, who held the position at the time, told the Administrative Services Committee that the city had received an offer to enter the PFAS settlement agreement.
City Manager Benjamin Gunderson told council at its Jan. 20 meeting that Milford has elevated PFAS levels exceeding federal recommendations. He said the city has until 2031 to complete the necessary treatment upgrades and expects to receive approximately $900,000 in settlement money toward those costs. Council authorized a $39,980 contract with engineering firm AECOM for a PFAS treatment alternatives study at that meeting.
By March, AECOM had conducted a site visit at Milford's water plant to begin the feasibility study, according to March 3 council minutes.
The same meeting includes a badge pinning ceremony for Officer Jordan Riley and two fiscal items: Resolution 2026-686, certifying tax levy rates to the county auditor, and Ordinance 26-503, amending fiscal year 2026 appropriations. The levy certification covers $744,341 for the general fund at 3.00 mills, $3,053,508 for the fire and EMS levy at 17.00 mills and $611,698 for the park levy bond fund at 3.00 mills.
A federal court fairness hearing on the PFAS settlements is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2027. Public water systems that want to opt out must file by Dec. 22, 2026.
Council’s evening proceedings begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at 745 Center St., with a Committee of the Whole session also listed on the agenda.
