COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 7, 2026) — Ohio leaders have announced the distribution of $65 million in settlement funding from DuPont to support critical drinking water improvements in several southern and eastern Ohio communities.
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director John Logue revealed details of the funding Tuesday, following approval by the Ohio Controlling Board.
💧 Funding to Address Water Safety
The funding stems from a 2023 environmental settlement tied to a lawsuit originally filed by DeWine in 2018 while serving as Ohio Attorney General. The lawsuit accused DuPont of releasing PFOA, a potentially harmful chemical, into the air and the Ohio River from its Washington Works facility in West Virginia.
The funds will be distributed to:
- Belmont County
- Gallia County
- Lawrence County
- Meigs County
- Morgan County
- Washington County
More than a dozen communities in those areas will benefit from water infrastructure upgrades.
🏗️ What the Money Will Fund
Officials say the settlement will support a range of projects aimed at improving water quality and access, including:
- Developing new drinking water sources
- Connecting smaller systems to regional water networks
- Installing treatment systems to remove PFAS chemicals
- Extending public water lines to homes with contaminated wells
Many projects are expected to be fully funded, limiting the financial burden on local communities.
⚠️ Health Concerns Behind the Case
The case centers on PFOA, a type of PFAS chemical historically used in manufacturing products like Teflon. The substance has been linked to a range of serious health concerns and environmental impacts.
Ohio was the first state to take legal action against DuPont over its handling of the chemical.
🗣️ Leaders Emphasize Long-Term Impact
“Access to safe drinking water is essential for every Ohio community,” DeWine said, noting the projects will help protect public health and strengthen infrastructure for years to come.
Logue added that the agency is working with local leaders to move quickly on “shovel-ready” projects that provide long-term solutions.
