Parker Waichman LLP

Poland Spring bottled water may be contaminated with gasoline; Sandy and gas shortage likely to blame

The effects of Superstorm Sandy in October are still being felt months later and in some unexpected places: Poland Spring bottled water. WMUR.com reports that health officials in New Hampshire have warned consumers about the potential dangers posed by larger plastic bottles of Poland Spring bottled water. Consumer reports are consistent with testing conducted by […]

poland-spring-contaminated-gasolineThe effects of Superstorm Sandy in October are still being felt months later and in some unexpected places: Poland Spring bottled water.

WMUR.com reports that health officials in New Hampshire have warned consumers about the potential dangers posed by larger plastic bottles of Poland Spring bottled water. Consumer reports are consistent with testing conducted by the state’s Health Dept. that found the presence of gasoline in some bottles of the company’s water.

Any bottle filled and sold after Nov. 1 could be affected and consumers should check bottles for the smell of gasoline before using them. Poland Spring has acknowledged the presence of gasoline in some of its large-size plastic water bottles and says that during the gas shortage in the days prior to the landfall of Superstorm Sandy, which dumped heavy rain, snow, and brought damaging winds hundreds of miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, people began filling 3- and 5-gallon Poland Spring water bottles with gasoline to stockpile fuel.

The statement from Poland Spring reads: “After Super Storm Sandy struck the eastern seaboard in October, some gasoline shortages were reported in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and some residents used empty containers such as large water bottles to transport gasoline. DPH announced today that test results on a sample taken from a 5-gallon container of Poland Spring bottled drinking water showed the presence of chemical contamination.”

So far, only one report has surfaced of a consumer developing health problems after drinking water from a Poland Spring bottle that was contaminated with gasoline. The state Health Dept. said it does not believe the amount of gasoline present in the contaminated bottles is enough to cause health concerns and no recall has been issued. A spokesperson for the Health Dept. said in a statement that consumers should only use water bottles for drinking water and if a bottle must be used in another manner as it clearly was needed during the storm, those bottles should be discarded properly and not recycled.

Poland Spring and state officials believe the problem only affects larger 3- and 5-gallon bottles of their water. No other reports of bottled water contaminated with gasoline have been reported but it seems likely that the risk would be present with other brands.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
i want to thank Parker Waichman for taking care of my case. I especially want to thank Kathy Senedacor for her time care and professionalism. Parker Waichman is very fortunate to have her representing them.
nicholas cardascia
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman llp has been an outstanding law office , with their communicating , especially with nurse consultant " Joanne Stevens " concerning my accident
John Hartley
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I highly recommend Parker Waichman LLP for your legal needs and concerns .Especially Mrs Gina Viti, who worked to get me an award from my 9/11 related illness. Mrs Viti was nothing but professional ,but above all that , she was compassionate, understanding and listened to my story with interest and attention. I felt like she took a personal interest in my case and I felt like I was dealing with a friend looking to help me, more than an attorney just going through the motions. She has experience and knowledge in her profession and she is an asset to the law firm. I cannot thank her and the law firm enough.
michael gug
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038