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For Immediate Release
January 5, 2023

Board of Water Supply Confirms Low Level Detection of PFAS 

HONOLULU – The Board of Water Supply (BWS) has confirmed the low-level detection of perfluorohexanoic acid at Waipahu Wells II Granular Activated Carbon Treatment Facility.  The BWS reported the findings to the Hawaii Department of Health on December 30, 2022, in accordance with Hawaii State Law.

Location

Analyte

Sample date

Result

EPA Test Method

Waipahu Wells II GAC

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

11/25/2022

2.2 ng/L

533

Waipahu Wells II GAC

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

11/25/2022

2.2 ng/L

537.1

         

Waipahu Wells II GAC

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

12/13/2022

2 ng/L

533

Waipahu Wells II GAC

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

12/13/2022

2.3 ng/L

537.

Note:   ng/L = nanogram per liter.           

BWS detected these chemicals as part of its expanded well water monitoring program.  Multiple samples were tested to confirm the finding.  Waipahu Wells II GAC serves water to parts of Waipahu, Waikele, and Waipio.

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-fighting foam.

The Hawaii Department of Health’s Environmental Action Level (EAL) for PFHxA is 1000 ng/L.  The levels found at these wells are significantly below this action level and based on current information, are not expected to pose a risk to human health.  It is important to note that research regarding the health impacts of PFHxA and other PFAS is ongoing and our understanding of the health impacts of these chemicals is growing and evolving.

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

About the Board of Water Supply

The Board of Water Supply (BWS), a semi-autonomous agency of the City and County of Honolulu, manages Oahu’s municipal water resources and distribution system.  As the largest water utility in the State, the BWS serves approximately one million customers on Oahu.  The BWS embraces its mission of “Water for Life – Ka Wai Ola” – to provide a safe, dependable, and affordable water supply, now and into the future.  Uwē  ka lani, ola ka honua – “When the heavens weep, the earth lives.”  For more information, visit www.boardofwatersupply.com, follow @BWSHonolulu or like the BWS’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BWSHonolulu.

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Contact:

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