Water Quality Report · Honolulu, HI

Is Honolulu, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data, EPA SDWIS federal violations records, and EWG Tap Water Database published findings.

72
⚠️ B — Moderate Risk
Honolulu, HI · ZIP 96801
PFAS Detected: 3.1 ppt 4 contaminants above EWG health guidelines 9 total contaminants detected

How Does Honolulu Tap Water Score?

EPA UCMR5 monitoring data documents PFAS in portions of this system at levels consistent with patterns associated with certain federal operations and aviation-related land uses documented in the region, per publicly available records. The Red Hill incident — a widely reported fuel storage situation — has been a documented factor in regional water quality monitoring. HAVEN presents available EPA published data.

Water source: Groundwater (Pearl Harbor aquifer + mountain springs)

Water utility: Board of Water Supply Honolulu

By the Numbers

72
HAVEN Score (out of 100)
3.1 ppt
PFAS Level
4
Above EWG Health Guidelines
9
Total Contaminants Detected

PFAS in Honolulu Water

Detected at approximately 3.1 ppt per available EPA data — below the new EPA MCL of 4 ppt but above levels many health researchers consider optimal for lifetime daily consumption. Reverse osmosis filtration is recommended.

The EPA's new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is 4 ppt, effective 2026. PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental issues at chronic exposure levels per peer-reviewed research.

What's In Honolulu Tap Water?

The following contaminants have been detected or are associated with elevated risk in this water system, per available EPA and EWG published data:

PFAS (military contamination)Disinfection ByproductsNitrate

These detections are drawn from EPA SDWIS federal violations database and EWG Tap Water Database records. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA legal limits and reflect long-term exposure risk.

Compliance Record

EPA SDWIS records show 1 health-based violation(s) and 0 lead action-level violation(s) in the past 5 years at this utility. Violations reflect the legal threshold; actual health risk at sub-violation levels is addressed by EWG health guidelines used in HAVEN's scoring.

Best Water Filter for Honolulu, HI

💧 HAVEN's Filter Recommendation

A certified pitcher filter handles most concerns at this level. For PFAS specifically, upgrade to AquaTru Carafe ($149) or an APEC under-sink RO system ($250) for highest protection.

What Else Is In Your Home?

Water is one of six categories HAVEN scores. Take the free 3-minute quiz to get your complete Home Health Score — mold, air quality, EMF, household chemicals, and more.

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Data Disclaimer: HAVEN water quality data is derived from EPA UCMR5 PFAS monitoring, EPA SDWIS federal violations database, and EWG Tap Water Database published records (2021–2025). This data is publicly available and is presented for educational and informational purposes only. HAVEN makes no warranty as to current conditions; water quality can change. Scores and notes reflect published data at time of compilation and should not be treated as a substitute for current laboratory testing. For definitive assessment, independent certified laboratory water testing is recommended.