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For Immediate Release
March 17, 2023

Board of Water Supply Confirms Low Level Detection of PFAS In Waipio Pumps

HONOLULU - The Board of Water Supply (BWS) has confirmed the low-level detection of various perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at its Waipio Heights Wells Pumping Station.  The type of PFAS and level detected is shown below based on samples collected in February 2023.  The BWS reported the findings to the Hawaii Department of Health on 3/17/23 in accordance with Hawaii State Law.

BWS detected these chemicals as part of its PFAS testing program.  Multiple samples were tested to confirm the finding and improvements in test methods and technology enables the detection of these very low levels.  The Waipio Heights Wells Pumping Station serves water to the Waipio Crestview area between Lumikula Street to Lumi Street

PFAS are fluorinated organic chemicals that have been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food, and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick.  They also have been used in fire-retarding foam.

Based on existing Hawaii Department of Health environmental action levels and drinking water standards for PFOS proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the levels at Waipio Heights Wells pose no significant health concerns. 

Manager and Chief Engineer Ernest Lau stated, “We take our kuleana to provide safe drinking water to our community seriously and will continue to monitor for PFAS chemicals. While the current levels do no not pose a health issue, we will continue to regularly test to monitor for any changes.”

 

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Contact:

Kathleen Pahinui 
Information Officer 
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5319