Penticton joins suit over PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water

Penticton is joining British Columbia’s national class-action lawsuit targeting manufacturers of so-called “forever chemicals” found in drinking water systems.

The province launched the case in 2024 against producers of PFAS, a group of chemicals used in products such as non-stick cookware, cleaning supplies and water-resistant materials. The substances are known to persist in the environment for decades and can accumulate in water and the human body.

The City of Penticton will now act as a representative municipality in the case, helping ensure local governments’ experiences are included as the lawsuit moves forward in B.C. Supreme Court.

Attorney General Niki Sharma said municipalities are dealing with the impacts directly.