A family from Prince Edward Island has filed a lawsuit against the provincial government for contamination of their drinking water with toxic “forever chemicals.” Doug and Roberta Jenkins, along with their daughter Lindsay, are seeking damages and remediation after discovering dangerously high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their well water. This legal action reflects a growing trend in Canada as more residents become aware of the dangerous effects of these chemicals, often found in everyday products.
Uncovering the Contamination
The Jenkins family, who own a 130-acre farm in Hazelbrook, just east of Charlottetown, had little concern over their water quality until January 14, 2024, when provincial tests revealed alarming levels of PFAS in their water supply. Their well water contained 606.6 nanograms per litre, a figure that exceeds Health Canada’s safe limit by a staggering twenty-fold.
“The more we learned, the more nervous, terrified, and annoyed we became,” Doug Jenkins stated, encapsulating the family’s distress after the shocking discovery. The Jenkinses’ lawsuit, filed on May 27, seeks personal damages that could exceed $1 million per family member, alongside compensation for property damage and a demand for the remediation of a nearby waste disposal site believed to be the source of the contamination.
The Source of Contamination Remains Uncertain
While the Jenkins family grapples with the implications of their water contamination, the exact source remains unclear. A disposal site for construction and demolition debris operated close to their property, approximately 150 metres away, and accepted various industrial waste materials containing PFAS. The provincial government took ownership of this site in 2012 and was responsible for monitoring it, according to the family’s statement of claim.
In response to growing concerns about PFAS levels in drinking water, the government initiated a testing programme in 2023. This effort was part of preparing for new federal guidelines set to be implemented the following year, which would establish a benchmark of 30 nanograms per litre for PFAS. However, this benchmark is not legally enforceable.
The Jenkins’ Ongoing Struggle for Support
Since the troubling test results were shared in January 2025, the Jenkins family has been reliant on bottled water supplied by the provincial government. Despite their ongoing health concerns and requests for assistance with remediation and monitoring, Doug Jenkins has expressed frustration over the lack of engagement from the government. “The Jenkinses have come to tolerate some very difficult truths about their property, their health, their lives,” commented Andrew Kirk, the family’s legal representative. “What’s not easy to tolerate is the silence from the province.”
In an attempt to better understand the health implications of their exposure to PFAS, the family sought private blood testing in Bangor, Maine, in June 2025. The results revealed alarmingly high levels of PFAS in their blood—Doug Jenkins at 78.92 ng/mL, and his wife at 113.39 ng/mL. These figures dramatically exceed thresholds identified in research linking PFAS to various health issues, including cancers and immune system suppression.
A Growing Crisis
The Jenkins family’s plight is part of a broader crisis as more Canadians become aware of PFAS contamination in their communities. These chemicals, created over 85 years ago and used in a variety of products such as non-stick cookware and firefighting foams, are notorious for their resistance to environmental degradation. As awareness grows, lawsuits regarding PFAS exposure have surged, although Canada has seen slower movement in litigation compared to the United States.
Recent developments in Australia highlight the global nature of this issue, with the Australian government filing a $2 billion lawsuit against 3M over PFAS contamination. In Canada, however, only one class-action lawsuit has been certified, demonstrating the need for increased legal action and accountability concerning these toxic substances.
Why it Matters
The Jenkins family’s lawsuit underscores the urgent need for government accountability in environmental health matters. As communities across Canada face similar challenges with PFAS contamination, the outcomes of such legal battles may pave the way for stricter regulations and better protection for residents. This case not only reflects the personal struggles of one family but also highlights a growing public health crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
