A Hawaii military family avoids tap water at home. They’re among those suing over 2021 jet fuel leak
By JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER
Associated Press
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AP) — Richelle Dietz is a mother of two and wife of a U.S. Navy chief petty officer living on a Hawaii military base who often thinks about water. The family has been using bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth ever since 2021, when leaking jet fuel infiltrated the water system on their military base. Dietz is among 17 people suing the United States over the leak and continuing health problems they argue are tied to the tainted water. Dietz’s case goes to trial Monday. The outcome could help determine the success of several cases that include more than 7,500 people.