Napoli Shkolnik PFAS Settlement in 2026: $180 Million Recovered, Phase 2 Deadline Passed
Quick Answer
- The program is real: Napoli Shkolnik partnered with the NRWA to help public water systems recover PFAS testing, treatment, and remediation costs .
- Payout range: Payments have ranged from $286 to $28 million, depending on system size and contamination history .
- Critical deadline passed: Phase 2 registration closed July 12, 2026. Municipalities that missed it may still have options through other settlement tracks.
If you’re searching for the Napoli Shkolnik PFAS settlement, you’re looking at one of the most active mass tort programs in the country. The firm isn’t just representing water systems. It helped negotiate the landmark settlements that created the funding pool.
Napoli Shkolnik partner Paul Napoli served as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam multidistrict litigation. That role put him at the table for the $12.5 billion 3M settlement, the $1.185 billion DuPont settlement, and the $750 million Tyco settlement .
The firm’s separate Cost Recovery Program with the National Rural Water Association is different. It’s a registration pathway for smaller water systems that want to claim their share of those settlements without hiring their own counsel. Nearly $180 million has already flowed to more than 300 rural water members through this program .
The Facts
| Topic | 2026 Verified Data |
|---|---|
| Firm Role | Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in AFFF MDL; NRWA program partner |
| Total AFFF Settlements | $12.5B (3M) + $1.185B (DuPont) + $750M (Tyco) + $316.5M (BASF) |
| NRWA Program Recovery | Nearly $180 million for 300+ rural water systems |
| Payment Range | $286 to $28 million per system |
| Phase 2 Deadline | July 12, 2026 (passed) |
| Primary Action Fund Deadline | July 31, 2026 (passed) |
What Is the Napoli Shkolnik PFAS Settlement Program?
The Napoli Shkolnik PFAS settlement program is a partnership with the National Rural Water Association that helps public water systems recover costs for PFAS testing, treatment, and remediation. It is not a class action payout for individuals.
The program works by registering eligible water systems into the AFFF multidistrict litigation pending in South Carolina before Judge Richard Gergel . Once registered, systems can submit claims for reimbursement from the settlement funds already approved.
Napoli Shkolnik handles the legal work. The NRWA handles outreach and education to state rural water associations. There is no cost to register and no testing required to sign up .
The firm’s track record in this litigation is substantial. Paul Napoli’s work earned him a spot as one of Law360’s 2024 Environmental MVPs . The settlements he helped negotiate cover more than 12,000 public water systems nationwide .
Key Takeaway: The Napoli Shkolnik PFAS program is a legitimate pathway for water systems to claim settlement funds. It has already recovered nearly $180 million for rural water providers.
How Much Can Water Systems Recover from PFAS Settlements?
Payments to public water systems have ranged from $286 to $28 million, depending on the system’s size, contamination history, and the number of water sources tested .
There is no flat “per person” payout. This is not a consumer class action. The money goes to water systems, not individuals.
The settlement allocation formula considers several factors:
| Factor | Impact on Payment |
|---|---|
| System size | Larger systems serving more people receive more |
| Contamination level | Higher PFAS detections increase the score |
| Number of sources | Testing each source matters; a single high detection can boost the award |
| PFOA/PFOS above 4 ppt | Applies a multiplier to the source’s score |
| Litigation status | Systems that filed lawsuits may qualify for enhanced payments |
The $28 million figure represents the high end for a large system with extensive contamination. The $286 figure represents the low end for a small system with minimal qualifying costs .
A key detail from the settlement terms: testing after March 31, 2026, is not eligible for separate reimbursement. Costs incurred after that date won’t be covered through the testing claims pathway .
Who Qualifies for the Napoli Shkolnik PFAS Settlement Program?
Public water systems that tested for PFAS after June 22, 2023, and have not yet registered for the AFFF MDL may have qualified for Phase 2. The registration deadline was July 12, 2026 .
The eligibility criteria were specific. Systems needed to have conducted PFAS testing using state- or federal-approved methodology. They needed to submit detailed test results to the Claims Administrator .
Phase 1 of the program covered systems that registered earlier. Phase 2 opened for systems that tested after the June 2023 cutoff .
What systems needed to provide:
- PFAS test results for each water source
- Proof of testing costs (invoices, lab reports)
- System identification information
- Claims Form submission to the administrator
The official settlement website is PFASWaterSettlement.com. It lists all deadlines and claim forms .
Reality Check: This settlement is for public water systems, not individuals. If you received a text or email saying you personally qualify for a PFAS settlement payout, it’s a scam. The Napoli Shkolnik program is for municipal water providers, not residential customers.
What Are the Key PFAS Settlement Deadlines in 2026?
The primary Action Fund claims deadline was July 31, 2026, and the Special Needs Fund deadline was August 1, 2026. Both have passed. The NRWA Phase 2 registration deadline was July 12, 2026 .
These deadlines were firm. Municipalities that missed them risked forfeiting their share of the settlement funds .
Here is the deadline timeline:
| Deadline | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 2 Testing Claims | March 31, 2026 | Passed |
| NRWA Phase 2 Registration | July 12, 2026 | Passed |
| Action Fund Claims | July 31, 2026 | Passed |
| Special Needs Fund Claims | August 1, 2026 | Passed |
| Objection Deadline | November 23, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Opt-Out Deadline | December 22, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Final Fairness Hearing | January 15, 2027 | Upcoming |
The objection and opt-out deadlines are still ahead. If a water system is part of the settlement class but wants to challenge the terms or exclude itself, those windows close in late 2026 .
How Do Public Water Systems File a PFAS Claim?
Filing a PFAS claim requires registering with the settlement program, submitting PFAS test results for each water source, and completing the official Claims Form by the deadline. The primary deadline has passed, but systems can check the official website for any extensions.
Here were the steps:
- Register for the program. Phase 2 registration closed July 12, 2026.
- Test each water source. Testing had to be completed and submitted.
- Submit test results to the Claims Administrator. Results go on the official Claims Form.
- Document testing costs. Invoices and lab reports are required for reimbursement.
- Submit the Action Fund Claim. The deadline was July 31, 2026.
- Consider the Special Needs Fund. For systems with additional unreimbursed costs, the deadline was August 1, 2026.
For systems that missed these deadlines, options may be limited. The official settlement website is the best place to check for any late-claim procedures or alternative pathways .
What Is Napoli Shkolnik’s Role in the PFAS Settlements?
Napoli Shkolnik is one of the lead firms in the AFFF multidistrict litigation. Partner Paul Napoli served as Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel and helped negotiate the $12.5 billion 3M settlement and the $1.185 billion DuPont settlement .
The firm’s involvement goes beyond the NRWA program. Napoli Shkolnik has been at the center of PFAS litigation for years.
The firm’s PFAS track record includes:
- $12.5 billion 3M settlement covering public water systems nationwide
- $1.185 billion DuPont settlement with Chemours and Corteva
- $750 million Tyco settlement for PFAS contamination
- $316.5 million BASF settlement for PFAS-based foam products
- $180 million recovered for NRWA rural water members
Judge Richard Gergel approved the 3M settlement, finding it would compensate more than 12,000 public water systems for cleanup costs .
Napoli Shkolnik is also investigating PFAS in firefighter turnout gear. The firm is exploring potential litigation against turnout gear manufacturers on behalf of fire districts whose members face elevated cancer risks from PFAS exposure .
What Happens Next in PFAS Settlement Litigation?
Expected next steps include the final fairness hearing on January 15, 2027, ongoing litigation against remaining AFFF manufacturers, and potential personal injury trials for individuals exposed to PFAS.
The settlement process is not finished. Here is the timeline:
- November 23, 2026: Deadline to object to the settlement terms
- December 22, 2026: Deadline to opt out
- January 15, 2027: Final fairness hearing
- After final approval: Claims processing and payment distribution
- Ongoing: Litigation against the remaining AFFF manufacturers continues
Personal injury claims are a separate track. The AFFF MDL includes thousands of individual cases, and bellwether trials were scheduled for late 2026 before being taken off the calendar as settlement talks progressed . No per-person payout has been confirmed for individual injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Napoli Shkolnik PFAS settlement real?
Yes. Napoli Shkolnik is Plaintiffs’ Co-Lead Counsel in the AFFF MDL and partnered with NRWA on a cost recovery program.
The firm has recovered nearly $180 million for more than 300 rural water systems.
The settlements with 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF are court-approved.
How much can a water system get from the PFAS settlement?
Payments range from $286 to $28 million, depending on system size, contamination level, and testing history.
Larger systems with high PFAS detections receive more.
The allocation formula considers population served, PFAS concentrations, and number of sources tested.
When was the PFAS settlement deadline for water systems?
The Phase 2 registration deadline was July 12, 2026.
The Action Fund claims deadline was July 31, 2026.
The Special Needs Fund deadline was August 1, 2026.
All three have passed.
Can individuals file PFAS claims through Napoli Shkolnik?
No. The Napoli Shkolnik NRWA program is for public water systems, not individuals.
Personal injury claims are handled through a separate track in the AFFF MDL.
No per-person payout has been confirmed for individual claims.
What is the 3M PFAS settlement amount?
3M agreed to pay up to $12.5 billion to resolve public water system contamination claims.
Judge Richard Gergel approved the settlement in 2024.
Payments are distributed over multiple years.
What is the DuPont PFAS settlement amount?
DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to pay $1.185 billion.
Final approval was granted in February 2024.
The settlement covers PFAS water contamination claims.
What happens if a water system missed the July 2026 deadlines?
Missing the deadlines could mean forfeiting settlement funds.
Systems should check the official settlement website for any late-claim procedures.
The opt-out deadline is December 22, 2026, for systems that want to preserve other legal options.
Is there a PFAS settlement for firefighters?
No settlement has been reached for firefighter PFAS exposure claims.
Napoli Shkolnik is investigating potential litigation against turnout gear manufacturers.
The firm is exploring claims on behalf of fire districts and departments.
If you represent a public water system that missed the July 2026 deadlines, check the official settlement website at PFASWaterSettlement.com immediately. The opt-out deadline on December 22, 2026, is the next critical date for systems that want to preserve other legal options.
The most important number to remember is $12.5 billion. That’s the 3M settlement fund that water systems are claiming against. If your system didn’t file, that money may not be recoverable.
