Las Vegas, NV (March 11, 2025) – A lawsuit has been filed on behalf of the estate of a 71-year-old Boulder City man against affinitylifestyles.com, the company behind a brand of bottled water recalled in 2021. Sold under the Real Water label, the bottled water may contain hydrazine, a toxic chemical. Consuming the water may cause serious illness or death.
At George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, we diligently monitor for news of defective products and product recalls to help alert our fellow Nevadans, and keep them safe. If you have suffered serious illness after consuming a dangerous or defective product, you may be eligible to recover compensation. To discuss your rights for holding manufacturers who place the safety of consumers at risk, contact our law offices today at 702-388-2005.
WHAT PRODUCTS ARE AFFECTED?
On March 24, 2021, Real Water, Inc., issued a voluntary recall of it’s drinking water products, and urging consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to drink, cook with, sell, or serve the product. The recall included the company’s 500 milliliter, 1 liter, 1.5 liter, and 1 gallon ready-to-drink bottles. They were distributed to various retail stores in the greater Las Vegas, Nevada, area, as well as in Chicago and Northern Arizona, Southern California, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, New York, and New Mexico. Real Water, Inc., also recalled its 5-gallon home and office delivery bottles, which were distributed throughout the greater Las Vegas area, Phoenix, and the central California coastal region. The contaminated water recall resulted from a joint investigation by the Southern Nevada Health District and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into reported cases of non-viral hepatitis that were linked to its consumption.
A full list of the products affected by the recall can be found on the FDA website.
The decedent on whose behalf the recent wrongful death lawsuit was filed reportedly saw an alert about the drinking water recall and connected it with his symptoms. He died on November 22, 2024, due to serious and catastrophic injuries, including severe liver injuries, which the lawsuit claims resulted from him consuming the water before learning of its toxicity.
How Hydrazine Contaminated Real Water Bottled Water
A leading factor in the Real Water recall is the presence of hydrazine, a chemical known for its toxicity and industrial applications, in the drinking water. Hydrazine is typically used in rocket fuel, pesticides, and other industrial processes, and is not intended for human consumption. The presence of the chemical in bottled water raised serious questions about the company’s manufacturing practices and quality control processes, and ultimately led to the company ceasing operations for non-compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Health Risks of Hydrazine Exposure
Hydrazine is classified as a toxic and carcinogenic substance, and exposure through ingestion can cause severe health issues. Some of the most commonly occurring of these include:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Respiratory distress
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Neurological impairment
With prolonged exposure, there may also be an increased cancer risk.
How Hydrazine Exposure Can Lead to Hepatitis
Hydrazine can disrupt liver function, which may lead to acute non-viral hepatitis. When ingested, hydrazine may trigger oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver. The chemical interferes with normal cellular function by damaging liver cell mitochondria, leading to cell death and inflammation. Over time, this may cause liver swelling, bile buildup, and impaired detoxification processes.
Severe cases of hydrazine-induced liver toxicity can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or complete liver failure. Those exposed to high levels may experience acute symptoms like jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, and confusion due to the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream. Without medical intervention, people who experience this toxicity may require liver transplants, in extreme cases.
Symptoms and Health Risks of Contaminated Water
Numerous consumers who drank Real Water experienced symptoms consistent with acute liver toxicity and systemic poisoning. The symptoms reported included:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Jaundice
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Severe fatigue and weakness
- Neurological symptoms
The FDA strongly advises anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming Real Water to seek immediate medical attention. Delayed treatment could lead to long-term organ damage or fatal complications.
What Should Consumers Do Next?
Consumers in Las Vegas, and elsewhere, who purchased Real Water should stop using the product immediately. Those who have suffered illness may have legal options, including filing a lawsuit against Real Water, Inc., for their associated losses, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. A product liability lawyer may advise them how to prove a defective product injury and guide them through the process of seeking compensation.
Did Bottle Water Make You Sick? George Bochanis Law Offices Can Help
Consumers expect bottled water to be safe and free from harmful contaminants. If you or a loved one became ill after consuming Real Water alkaline bottled water, consulting a dedicated product liability lawyer may help determine if you have a valid lawsuit against the manufacturer.
At George Bochanis Law Offices, our product liability lawyer tirelessly advocates on behalf of consumers and their families. Since opening our doors in 1985, we have dedicated our practice to helping victims recover the maximum compensation for their associated losses. We are committed to holding negligent manufacturers accountable when their products cause harm. To discuss your case, contact our law offices today at 702-388-2005. We offer free initial consultations.
