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Is Pearl Harbor Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, July 22, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Pearl Harbor?

Yes, Pearl Harbor's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Pearl Harbor has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Pearl Harbor's local Twitter account.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Pearl Harbor's water utility, Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Pearl Harbor was resolved on Oct. 31, 2013. This assessment is based on the Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Pearl Harbor Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Pearl Harbor tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Pearl Harbor's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Pearl Harbor Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor for Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From Oct. 1, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013, Pearl Harbor had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Acute (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).

Is there Lead in Pearl Harbor Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Pearl Harbor water system, Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0 mg/L of lead in Pearl Harbor water. This is 0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Pearl Harbor contained more lead.

While Pearl Harbor water testing may have found 0.0 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Pearl Harbor Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - JBPHH PEARL HARBOR HI - near Pearl Harbor with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Pearl Harbor has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Pearl Harbor SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
10/01/2013 - 10/31/2013 Resolved Yes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Acute (TCR) (21) Total Coliform Rule (110) Coliform (TCR) (3100) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Pearl Harbor Water - Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
Visit our website at boardofwatersupply.com or call Erwin Kawata at State and Federal drinking water standards, Hawaii drinking water monitoring/compliance, health effects Safe Drinking Water Branch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (808) 586-4258 The Board meets at 2:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Board of Water Supply, 630 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. You are invited to participate in these meetings. For copies of Board meeting sched- ules and minutes, call (808) 748-5061 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Board of Water Supply 630 South Beretania Street • Honolulu, HI 96843 www.boardofwatersupply.com
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
The Board meets at 2:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Board of Water Supply, 630 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. You are invited to participate in these meetings. For copies of Board meeting sched- ules and minutes, call (808) 748-5061 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com. Board of Water Supply 630 South Beretania Street • Honolulu, HI 96843 www.boardofwatersupply.com
IS MY DRINKING WATER REALLY SAFE?
Yes, we take our responsibility to provide safe drinking water very seriously. Like you, we drink the same water and share the same concerns about its quality. Islandwide, the Board of Water Supply (BWS) operates over 94 water sources that are located among nine different water regions. Your tap water generally comes from those sources located within your area and not from all 94. The report shows the name of the source(s) serving your area and the region it is located in. Each year, these sources and systems are tested for more than 80 different types of contaminants by the BWS. The sources serving your area did not contain any of the listed contaminants except for the ones shown on the report. In all cases, the amounts found are fully compliant with the standards for safe drinking water. Drinking Water Standards and Testing In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. A contaminant is any substance that may pose a potential health concern if present in very large quantities. The regulations require testing tap water for many different categories of contaminants. One category is the regulated or primary contaminants. Each has a maximum contaminant goal and maximum contaminant level. The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. This limit is the standard for safe drinking water and is set by federal and/ or state health agencies. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. The regulations also have testing requirements for certain unregulated contaminants. Health agencies generally do not specify MCLs or MCLGs for unregulated contaminants. However, they may establish an action level which is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. The rules also require testing the water in the distribution system (for trihalomethanes and coliform bacteria) and at the consumer’s tap (for lead and copper). Each contaminant category has its own monitoring frequency established by regulation. The testing is performed either annually, every two years or every three years as determined by federal and state drinking water regulations. The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. On Oahu, drink- ing water begins as rain falling over the Koolau and Waianae Mountain
WHERE DOES MY WATER COME FROM?
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. On Oahu, drink- ing water begins as rain falling over the Koolau and Waianae Mountain
WHAT KINDS OF CONTAMINANTS ARE A CONCERN TO DRINKING WATER?
Contaminants that may be present in source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or do- mestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses. Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm- water runoff, and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 or the DOH at (808) 586-4258. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised individuals such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection
WHAT KINDS OF CONTAMINANTS HAVE BEEN FOUND IN OAHU’S WATER?
Below is a list of substances that have been found in Oahu’s water and their possible sources. See the water quality report for the substances found in your water. In all cases, the amounts present are fully compliant with the standards. Alpha and beta activity occur naturally in groundwater from the erosion of natural deposits and decay of natural and man-made deposits. Antimony is found in discharge from petroleum refineries, fire retardants, ceramics, electronics, and solder. Arsenic may occur from the erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass, and electronics production wastes. Atrazine may occur from runoff from herbicide used on row crops. Barium may occur naturally in groundwater from the erosion of natural deposits. Boron is a mineral found in food and the environment. It occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and seawater and is also used in vitamin supplements. Bromacil is a broad-spectrum herbicide used for weed control in citrus and pineapple. Bromide occurs naturally in the environment and is not being considered for regulation. 1-Butanol is used as a solvent in paints, surface coatings, lacquers, thin- ners, pharmaceutical formulations, waxes, and resins. The testing of this contaminant is currently being performed and reported under the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4). The purpose of UCMR4 is to collect data on contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency then uses this information to decide if changes to the regulations are needed. Carbon tetrachloride is an organic chemical that may occur in drinking
HOW DO I CONTACT PEARL HARBOR CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Pearl Harbor water provider, Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor, please use the information below.
By Mail: Honolulu Board of Water Supply
630 S. Beretania St., Rm. 308
HONOLULU, HI, 96843
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR HNL-WINDWARD-PEARL HARBOR
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor account to pay their Pearl Harbor water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Pearl Harbor water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Pearl Harbor water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP PEARL HARBOR WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Pearl Harbor means you will often need to put the water in your name with Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Pearl Harbor means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Hnl-Windward-Pearl Harbor. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Pearl Harbor tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 14% Very Low
  • Water Pollution 32% Low
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 86% Very High
  • Water Quality 68% High

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Pearl Harbor, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Pearl Harbor Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Pearl Harbor's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

Board of Water Supply 630 South Beretania Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96843

2 0 2 1 A N N U A L

WATER

QUALITY

REPORT

Federal and state law requires

testing your drinking water for many

different types of contaminants.

This report contains test results

showing your water is safe to drink and meets all federal and state requirements.

If a contaminant is not listed, then

it was not detected.

Board of Water Supply

City and County of Honolulu 630 South Beretania Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96843 www.boardofwatersupply.com

Federal and state law requires testing your drinking water for many different types of contaminants. Below is a complete list.

Regulated Primary Contaminants

Acrylamide

2,4-D

Fecal coliform

Selenium

Alachlor

Dalapon

Fluoride

Simazine

Alpha emitters

Di (2-ethylhexyl)adipate

Glyphosate

Styrene

Antimony

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP)

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)

Arsenic

o-Dichlorobenzene

Heptachlor

Thallium

Asbestos (>10 micron)

p-Dichlorobenzene

Heptachlor epoxide

Toluene

Atrazine

1,2-Dichloroethane

Hexachlorobenzene

Total coliform

Barium

1,1-Dichloroethylene

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Benzene

cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene

Lead

Toxaphene

Beryllium

trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene

Lindane

2,4,5-TP

Beta/photon emitters

Dichloromethane

Mercury (total)

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene

Bromate

1,2-Dichloropropane (DCP)

Methoxychlor

1,1,1-Trichloroethane

Cadmium

Dinoseb

Nitrate (as N)

1,1,2-Trichloroethane

Carbofuran

Dioxin

Nitrite (as N)

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Carbon tetrachloride

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate

Oxamyl (Vydate)

1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP)

Chlordane

Diquat

PCBs

Turbidity

Chlorite

Endothall

Pentachlorophenol

Uranium

Chlorobenzene

Endrin

Picloram

Vinyl chloride

Chromium (total)

Epichlorohydrin

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons

Xylenes (total)

Copper

Ethylbenzene

[benzo(a) pyrene]

 

Cyanide

Ethylene dibromide (EDB)

Radium 226 + 228

 

Unregulated Contaminants

Boron

Chlorodifluoromethane

Manganese

Strontium

Bromacil

Chromium, hexavalent

Methyl t-Butyl Ether (MTBE)

Vanadium

Bromoform

DCPA Mono/Di-acid degradates

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

 

1-Butanol

Dieldrin

and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid

 

Chlorate

HAA6Br

(PFHxS)

 

Chloride

HAA9

Sodium

 

Measurements in this report, one part per million (ppm) is the same as one milligram of the substance in one liter of water (mg/L). To put this into perspective, one part per million is approximately one second in 11.5 days. One part per billion (ppb) is even smaller! – about 1 second in 31.7 years.

ENCLOSURE

HAA6Br are disinfection byproducts that are formed when chlorine is added to disinfect drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water. The six brominated haloacetic acids (HAA6Br) are Bromochloroacetic Acid, Bromodichloroacetic Acid, Dibromoacetic Acid, Dibromochloroacetic Acid, Monobromoacetic Acid, and Tribromoacetic Acid. HAA6Br is currently being tested and reported under the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4). The purpose of UCMR4 is to collect data on contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency then uses this information to decide if changes to the regulations are needed.

HAA9 are disinfection byproducts that are formed when chlorine or chlo- ramine is added to disinfect drinking water react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in water. The nine haloacetic acids (HAA9) are Bromochloroacetic Acid, Bromodichloroacetic Acid, Chlorodibro- moacetic Acid, Dibromoacetic Acid, Dichloroacetic Acid, Monobromoacetic Acid, Monochloroacetic Acid, Tribromoacetic Acid, and Trichloroacetic Acid. HAA9 is currently being tested and reported under the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4). The purpose of UCMR4 is to collect data on contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency then uses this information to decide if changes to the regulations are needed.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)[such as bromoform, bromodichloromethane, and dibromochloromethane] are by-products of drinking water chlorination.

Heptachlor epoxide is an organic chemical formed by the chemical and biological transformation of heptachlor in the environment. Heptachlor was once used as a non-agricultural insecticide. Heptachlor and its epoxide adsorbs strongly to soil.

Lead–If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. BWS is responsible for providing high quality drink- ing water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may choose to have your water tested by contacting private laboratories that are certified by the State for doing drinking water analyses. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Manganese is a naturally-occurring element that can be found ubiqui- tously in the air, soil, and water. It is also used in the manufacturing of steel alloys, ceramics, glass, and as a food additive. The United States Environmental Protection Agency secondary drinking water maximum contaminant limit (SMCL) for manganese is 0.05 milligrams per Liter (50 parts per billion). Concentrations in water above the SMCL may create black to brown color staining and a bitter metallic taste.

Methyl t-Butyl Ether (MTBE) is used in gasoline to reduce auto emissions. Nitrate (as nitrogen) occurs naturally in groundwater. According to EPA,

nitrates may come from runoff from fertilizer use or leaching from septic tanks, sewage, or erosion of natural deposits. Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 parts per million (ppm) is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider if the nitrate level is between 5 to 10 ppm.

Nitrite (as nitrogen) occurs naturally in groundwater. According to EPA, nitrites may come from runoff from fertilizer use or leaching from septic tanks, sewage, or erosion of natural deposits. Nitrite levels in drinking water in excess of the MCL could cause serious illness or be fatal to infants below the age of six months.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) are chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materi- als (for example, cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick. They have been used in fire-retarding foam and can be found in food packaging, consumer products, house dust, and drinking water.

Radium occurs naturally in groundwater from the erosion of natural deposits.

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive substance found everywhere on earth. It is a colorless, odorless gas produced from the natural decomposi- tion of uranium. Because radon is a gas, it can move from water to the air in the course of dishwashing, showering, and other water-using activities. In the atmosphere, radon is harmless because it is diluted. However, in enclosed spaces such as basements, radon levels can build up. Appropriate ventilation is the best way to prevent indoor air accumulation of radon.

Selenium is found in discharge from petroleum and metal refineries, erosion of natural deposits, and discharge from mines.

Simazine may occur from herbicide runoff.

Sodium is a common element in the environment that occurs widely in soils, plants, water, and foods. It is also found in personal care products, foods, nutritional supplements, and medications.

Strontium is an alkaline earth metal that occurs naturally in the environ- ment. Air, dust, soil, foods, and drinking water all contain small amounts of strontium. Ingestion of small amounts of strontium is not harmful. According to EPA, strontium levels more than 4000 parts per billion per day may lead to negative health effects. There is no evidence that drinking water with trace amounts of naturally-occurring strontium is harmful.

Sulfates are naturally occurring substances that are found in minerals, soil, and rocks. They are present in ambient air, groundwater, plants, and food. The principal commercial use of sulfate is in the chemical industry. Sulfates are discharged into water in industrial wastes and through atmospheric deposition. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, studies suggest sulfate levels more than 500 mg/L can act as a mild laxative.

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is used in dry cleaning, textile processing

and as a degreaser. It can be discharged from factories and dry cleaners. Total coliform bacteria are naturally present in the environment.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an organic chemical that may come from metal degreasing sites and other factories.

1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) is an organic chemical formerly used as a soil fumigant in agriculture and as a gasoline additive. It has been found in a number of wells in Central Oahu.

Uranium occurs from the erosion of natural deposits.

Vanadium is a metal that naturally occurs in many different minerals and in fossil fuel deposits. Exposure to vanadium is very common, as it is a naturally occurring element that is found in many parts of the environment including at low levels in many foods. According to EPA, levels more than 21 parts per billion per day may lead to negative health effects. There is no federal drinking water standard for vanadium at this time.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Visit our website at boardofwatersupply.com or call Erwin Kawata at

  1. 748-5080. You can also reach us by e-mail at contactus@hbws.org. For information about the following topics, call:
    Environmental Protection Agency
    Federal drinking water regulations, health effects
    Safe Drinking Water Hotline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-426-4791 Board of Water Supply
    Communications Office. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (808) 748-5041 Water testing program (chemicals). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(808) 748-5840 Microbiology testing/chlorine taste . . . . . . . . . . . .(808) 748-5850 Copies of your Water Quality Report . . . . . . . . . . . (808) 748-5041 State Department of Health

State and Federal drinking water standards, Hawaii drinking water monitoring/compliance, health effects

Safe Drinking Water Branch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (808) 586-4258

How Can I Get Involved?

The Board meets at 2:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at the Board of Water Supply, 630 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii. You are invited to participate in these meetings. For copies of Board meeting sched- ules and minutes, call (808) 748-5061 or visit www.boardofwatersupply.com.

Board of Water Supply

630 South Beretania Street • Honolulu, HI 96843

www.boardofwatersupply.com

2 0 2 1 A N N U A L

WATER

QUALITY

REPORT

Supplemental

Information

A separate report, containing the results

of tests performed on samples of your water, accompanies

this Supplemental Information.

Board of Water Supply

City and County of Honolulu

630 South Beretania Street • Honolulu, HI 96843

www.boardofwatersupply.com

Is My Drinking Water Really Safe?

Yes, we take our responsibility to provide safe drinking water very seriously. Like you, we drink the same water and share the same concerns about its quality. Islandwide, the Board of Water Supply (BWS) operates over 94 water sources that are located among nine different water regions. Your tap water generally comes from those sources located within your area and not from all 94. The report shows the name of the source(s) serving your area and the region it is located in.

Each year, these sources and systems are tested for more than 80 different types of contaminants by the BWS.

The sources serving your area did not contain any of the listed contaminants except for the ones shown on the report. In all cases, the amounts found are fully compliant with the standards for safe drinking water.

Drinking Water Standards and Testing

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protec- tion Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. A contaminant is any substance that may pose a potential health concern if present in very large quantities.

The regulations require testing tap water for many different categories of contaminants. One category is the regulated or primary contaminants. Each has a maximum contaminant goal and maximum contaminant level. The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. This limit is the standard for safe drinking water and is set by federal and/ or state health agencies. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

The regulations also have testing requirements for certain unregulated contaminants. Health agencies generally do not specify MCLs or MCLGs for unregulated contaminants. However, they may establish an action level which is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.

The rules also require testing the water in the distribution system (for trihalomethanes and coliform bacteria) and at the consumer’s tap (for lead and copper).

Each contaminant category has its own monitoring frequency established by regulation. The testing is performed either annually, every two years or every three years as determined by federal and state drinking water regulations.

Where Does My Water Come From?

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. On Oahu, drink- ing water begins as rain falling over the Koolau and Waianae Mountain

ranges. Because volcanic rock is porous, much of this rain is naturally filtered through the ground on its way to large underground formations called aquifers.

As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dis- solves naturally-occurring minerals, radioactive material, and substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity.

Source Water Assessments, reports that evaluate the susceptibility of our drinking water sources to pollution, have been completed as of 2004. These reports are available for review by calling Erwin Kawata at (808) 748-5080.

BWS Water Sources and Systems

The Board of Water Supply operates and maintains over 94 water sources that combine to deliver an average of 145 million gallons of water per day.

The water is supplied through a distribution system that contains over 2,100 miles of pipeline and 171 reservoirs. The entire system is monitored 24 hours a day.

What Kinds of Contaminants are a Concern to Drinking Water?

Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.

Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or do- mestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.

Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm- water runoff, and septic systems.

Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.

The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline 1-800-426-4791 or the DOH at (808) 586-4258.

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised individuals such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection

Sunset Beach-Waialee

Kahuku System

Island of Oahu

 

9

System

8

 

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

NORTH

Waialua-Haleiwa

 

 

System

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

Windward

 

5

Mililani

System

Wahiawa

Waipio

 

System

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

31

Ewa-Waianae-Waipahu

SystemHonolulu-Pearl Harbor

System

by cryptosporidium are available from the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 or the DOH at (808) 586-4258.

What Kinds of Contaminants Have Been Found in Oahu’s Water?

Below is a list of substances that have been found in Oahu’s water and their possible sources. See the water quality report for the substances found in your water. In all cases, the amounts present are fully compliant with the standards.

Alpha and beta activity occur naturally in groundwater from the erosion of natural deposits and decay of natural and man-made deposits.

Antimony is found in discharge from petroleum refineries, fire retardants, ceramics, electronics, and solder.

Arsenic may occur from the erosion of natural deposits; runoff from orchards, runoff from glass, and electronics production wastes.

Atrazine may occur from runoff from herbicide used on row crops.

Barium may occur naturally in groundwater from the erosion of natural deposits.

Boron is a mineral found in food and the environment. It occurs naturally in rocks, soil, and seawater and is also used in vitamin supplements.

Bromacil is a broad-spectrum herbicide used for weed control in citrus and pineapple.

Bromide occurs naturally in the environment and is not being considered for regulation.

1-Butanol is used as a solvent in paints, surface coatings, lacquers, thin- ners, pharmaceutical formulations, waxes, and resins. The testing of this contaminant is currently being performed and reported under the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4). The purpose of UCMR4 is to collect data on contaminants that may be present in drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency then uses this information to decide if changes to the regulations are needed.

Carbon tetrachloride is an organic chemical that may occur in drinking

water from discharge from chemical plants and other industrial activities.

Chlorate is a byproduct of the drinking water disinfection process that forms when using sodium hypochlorite. According to EPA, chlorate levels more than 210 parts per billion may be a health concern.

Chlordane is a residue of a banned termiticide.

Chloride is a common element in the environment that occurs widely in soils, plants, water, and foods. It is most commonly found in nature as a salt of sodium called sodium chloride better known as table salt.

Chlorodifluoromethane also known as R-22, is a gas used for cooling in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Chromium may occur naturally in groundwater from the erosion of natural deposits.

Chromium, Hexavalent also known as chromium 6 is a chemical form of chromium that occurs naturally in rocks, animals, plants, soil, and in volcanic dust and gases. Water sources can be affected by hexavalent chromium naturally, or through contamination plumes from industrial centers, landfills, and improper discharge of industrial processing streams. EPA has not yet determined if low levels of hexavalent chromium in drinking water are a health risk.

Copper may occur in tap water from new or the corrosion of household copper plumbing systems, erosion of natural deposits, or leaching from wood preservatives.

DCPA Mono/Di-acid degradates are environmental breakdown products of the herbicide DCPA also known as Dacthal. DCPA is used to control weeds in ornamental turf and plants, strawberries, seeded and transplanted vegetables, cotton, and field beans.

Di (2-ethyhexyl) phthalate is found in discharge from rubber and chemical factories.

Dibromochloropropane (DBCP) is an organic chemical formerly used in Hawaii as a soil fumigant in pineapple cultivation and a petroleum additive. It has been found in several groundwater wells in Central Oahu.

1,2-Dichloropropane (DCP) is an organic chemical used as a solvent and pesticide that may occur in drinking water by leaching into groundwater. It also may come from improper waste disposal and discharge from industrial chemical factories.

Dieldrin is an organic chemical once used as a pesticide for control- ling ground termites and may occur in drinking water by leaching into groundwater.

Ethylene dibromide (EDB) is an organic chemical formerly used in Hawaii as a soil fumigant in pineapple cultivation and petroleum additive. It has been found in some groundwater wells in Central Oahu.

Fecal coliform bacteria and E. Coli can be found in human and animal fecal waste and may also be found in soil.

Fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater. According to EPA, it may also come from the erosion of natural deposits or discharged from fertilizer and aluminum factories. It can be a water additive that promotes strong teeth. BWS does not add fluoride.

The water serving

600 Mokapu Road

The water quality monitoring results are presented below.

has been tested and meets all Federal and State standards.

The water sources serving this address are:

Unregulated Contaminants (Do not have designated maximum limits but require monitoring)

Source Name

  1. Kaluanui Wells
  2. Maakua Well
  3. Punaluu Wells II
  4. Punaluu Wells III
  5. Waihee Tunnel

Origin of Water

Groundwater

Groundwater

Groundwater

Groundwater

Groundwater

TreatmentRegion

Chlorination2

Chlorination2

Chlorination2

Chlorination2

Chlorination2

Contaminant

Chlorate

Chloride

Chromium, Hexavalent

Sodium

Strontium

Sulfate

Vanadium

Tested

Sample

 

Highest

Range

 

Health

By

Year

Unit

Average

Minimum

Maximum

Advisory

(2)

2020

ppb

49.000

15.000

 

 

 

 

49.000

210.000

(2)

2020

ppm

180.000

16.000

 

180.000

250 **

(2)

2020

ppb

2.400

1.300

 

2.400

13.000

(2)

2020

ppm

36.000

13.000

 

36.000

60.000

(2)

2020

ppb

190.000

46.000

 

190.000

4000.000

(2)

2020

ppm

20.000

2.600

 

20.000

250 **

(2)

2020

ppb

10.000

7.200

 

10.000

21.000

Found in Sources

a,b,c,e

All Sources a,b,c,e

All Sources a,b,c,e

All Sources a,b,c,e

Source Water Monitoring

The substances detected in these sources are shown below. If a substance is not shown, then it was not detected.

Regulated Contaminants (2)

 

Sample

 

Highest

Range

MCL

MCLG

 

Contaminant

Year

Unit

Average

Minimum

Maximum

(Allowed)

(Goal)

Found in Sources

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.000

All Sources

Barium

2020

ppm

0.006

0.003

0.006

2.000

Chromium

2020

ppb

2.500

1.200

2.500

100.000

100.000

All Sources

Nitrate

2020

ppm

0.190

0.160

0.190

10.000

10.000

b,e

**Secondary Maximum Containment Levels (SMCLs) are standards established as guidelines to assist public water systems in managing the aesthetics quality (taste, odor, and color) of drinking water. EPA does not enforce SMCLs.

Distribution System Monitoring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfection By-Products (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highest

MCL

 

System Name

Contaminant

Unit

Min

Max

LRAA

(Allowed)

MCLG (Goal)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honolulu-Windward-Pearl Harbor

Total Trihalomethanes

ppb

0.00

13.00

8.50

80

None

 

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

ppb

0.00

2.20

0.70

60

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

MCL

 

 

 

Unit

Min

Max

Average

(Allowed)

MCLG (Goal)

Definitions:

 

MCL

Maximum Contaminant Level. The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as

 

feasible using the best available treatment technology.

MCLG

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal. The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCGLs

 

allows for a margin of safety.

GAC

Granular Activated Carbon Filtration

Health Advisory

An estimate of acceptable drinking water levels for a chemical substance based on health effects information. Health advisory is not a legally

 

enforceable standard.

CFU/100ml

Colony forming units per 100 milliliter

mrem/yr

Millirems Per Year (A measure of Radiation)

Microbial Contaminants (2)

System Name

Honolulu-Windward-Pearl Harbor

Haloacetic Acids (HAA6BR)

ppb

0.00

1.50

0.82

NYA

NYA

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9)

ppb

0.00

1.50

0.82

NYA

NYA

 

Number of positive

Violation

Number of assessments

 

Major sources in drinking

Contaminant

E. coli samples found

(Yes/No)

 

required to perform

 

water

E. Coli

 

0

No

 

0

Human and animal fecal waste

pCi/L

Picocuries Per Liter (A measure of Radioactivity)

ppb

Parts per billion or Micrograms per Liter

ppm

Parts per million or Milligrams per liter

ppt

Parts per Trillion or Nanograms per liter

Level 1 Assessment: A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system.

Level 2 Assessment: A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system on multiple occasions.

NQ

Not Quantifiable (<means "less than")

NYA

Not Yet Applicable

N/A

Not Applicable

ND

Not Detected

  • EPA considers 50 pCi/L to be the level of concern for beta particles
  1. Analysis by the State of Hawaii Department of Health
  2. Analysis by the Honolulu Board Of Water Supply. Questions, call 748-5370.

LRAA

Locational running annual average is the average of sample analytical results for samples taken at a particular monitoring location during the

 

previous four calendar quarters.

MRDL

Maximum residual disinfectant level: The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water.

MRDLG

Maximum residual disinfectant level goal: The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health.

Residual Chlorine (2)

System Name

Honolulu-Windward-Pearl Harbor

Lead/Copper Testing (2)

Contaminant

 

 

Lowest

Highest

Running

 

 

Sample

 

Monthly

Monthly

Annual

 

 

Year

Unit

Average

Average

Average

MRDL

MRDLG

2020

ppm

0.29

0.33

0.30

4

4

 

 

90th

 

 

 

 

Sample

 

Percentile

Action

 

# Samples Above

 

Year

Unit

Reading

Level

 

Action Level

 

Copper

2018

ppm

0.029

1.300

0

Lead

2018

ppb

<1.000

15.000

0

No violations found for calendar year 2020

Date Report Printed: 3/09/2021

Contaminants


Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Hawaii Department of Health, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 65230
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Groundwater
  • Total: 18

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromoform
  • Chlordane
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Nitrate
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C4-Dioxane
  • Barium
  • Chlorate
  • Chromium (total)
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Dieldrin
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Heptachlor epoxide
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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