ELKHART — Neighbors filed a lawsuit against a local company for not telling them about a water contamination problem for years.

Geocel Corporation in Elkhart makes adhesive sealants. It's making city water available to 100 homes in the Meadow Farms subdivision after investigators found toxic chemicals had leaked into the groundwater last year.

The company told neighbors about the contamination in June. A company spokesperson says that's when they first discovered it, but neighbors believe the company knew about it for years.

"Geocel was very proactive and informed residents as soon as the contamination migrated to the neighborhood. The residents were also given clean water," said Michelle Sinning, a Geocel spokesperson.

Attorney John Ulmer filed a lawsuit on behalf of 14 families. The suit claims the contaminants may have caused miscarriages and cancer.

"We have seen records from IDEM and Elkhart County where there have been these toxic chemicals that have been released into the ground water," said Ulmer.

In a written statement, Sinning said Geocel "disagrees with many of the allegations contained in the complaint and intends to undertake a vigorous defense of the litigation."

"They should not have to live with this at all. This is why we have these rules and regulations and IDEM is to try to prevent these. I don't know what the situation was and how these chemicals got out," Ulmer said.

Ulmer says he's ready to fight because the toxins could be causing serious health problems.

"Their biggest fears may have been it's caused miscarriages. Some people have had cancer. Was it caused by that?" Ulmer asked.

Sinning declined to address questions about the health issues.

Ulmer and his experts are trying to determine exactly how long Geocel knew about the contamination and whether any other health problems are related to exposure to the toxins.

He says lawsuits, like this one, could take years before they are settled or taken to court.