Is Maui Water Safe To Drink?

Maui island is easily one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and majestic mountains make it easy to see why Maui is such a popular destination. Many tourists visit this island but are its resources up to standard? Is Maui water safe to drink?

Maui water is safe to drink and one of the best places to enjoy quality water. It complies with all federal and state criteria for safe drinking water levels set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Hawaiian State Department of Health.

Read on to discover more about Maui’s water, what it tastes like, and if there are Hawaiian islands where water isn’t safe to drink. If you are planning to visit Maui, it is important to know these details!

Is Maui Water Safe To Drink?

The people of Maui enjoy the best-tasting water on earth. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Maui’s drinking water quality is good. The EPA rates the island as a ‘borderline’ system, which means some areas need improvement, but overall, the water is safe for drinking.

According to the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH), Maui’s drinking water meets all state and federal standards for quality and purity. However, this does not mean that the water is 100% pure or free from contaminants. As with any water source, it was removing all of the natural contaminants that may be present is impossible.

So, the water you drink on Maui is generally safe, but there may be occasional issues with contamination.

What Are the Common Contaminants Found in Maui’s Water?

As mentioned above, removing all contaminants from drinking water is impossible. Therefore, certain things may be found in the water you drink on Maui. According to the EPA and HDOH, these include:

1. Total Coliform Bacteria – These are a group of bacteria found in all-natural water sources. They do not usually cause illness themselves, but they indicate whether or not other harmful pathogens may be present.

2. Giardia lamblia – This is one of the most common parasites in drinking water supplies. It causes intestinal illness and diarrhea when ingested by humans and animals alike.

3. Cryptosporidium – This is another parasite that can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting when ingested. It is also known to cause serious illness in young children and the elderly.

How To Ensure Your Water Is Safe To Drink In Maui

If you live in Maui and have a private well or septic tank, it is essential that you check the quality of your drinking water regularly. The EPA recommends the following steps:

Test your water at least once every three years.
Check your well’s construction.
Make sure there are no leaks or cracks in your tank.
Check the pH level of your water.
Test for total coliform bacteria, E. coli, and nitrates; and
Test for lead in older homes with lead pipes or plumbing components.

Does Maui Have Hard Or Soft Water?

The answer depends on where you are on the island. The water in Maui’s major towns and cities is generally soft, while the water in rural areas is usually hard. This is because the hard water comes from underground springs, while the soft water is pumped in from the mainland.

Cities with soft water include Hilo, with a hardness rating of 17 PPM, and Waikoloa, with 10 PPM. With 110 part per Million, Maui has the state’s hardest water quality. The island receives water from nearby wells and the Iao Aquifer in the West Maui Mountains.

What Does Maui Drinking Water Taste Like?

Maui drinking water is some of the best in the world. But what does it taste like?

Maui’s water comes from various sources, including the Maui Aquifer and the Waikamoi Stream. The water is naturally filtered and has a high mineral content, which gives it a unique taste. Some say Maui water tastes like nothing else in the world, while others say it has a slightly sweet taste or a hint of coconut. Most agree that it’s a delicious, clean taste you can’t get anywhere else.

The Waikamoi Stream is located in lower East Maui near Hana. It travels through rugged terrain before entering an engineered pipeline to carry its precious contents to customers downstream. The pipeline was originally built by the Hawaiian Telco Company in 1963 and was later acquired by MECO.

Because the Waikamoi Stream is so close to its source, it contains very little contamination. The stream has been untouched for over 100 years because of its steep drop from headwaters to mouth.

The Maui County Water Department (MCWD) tests the water monthly to ensure it meets or exceeds state drinking water standards. MCWD also performs regular testing on the pH levels, the hardness of the water, and other factors that affect the taste.

Like a fine wine, water has a distinctive flavor profile depending on where it comes from and what minerals are present in the source.

Is There Any Hawaiian Island Where Tap Water Isn’t Safe?

If you’re traveling to Hawaii, it’s essential to know which islands have safe tap water and which don’t. Here’s an easy breakdown to help you out.

Hawaii has eight main islands: Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Hawaii (the biggest), Kahoolawe, and Guam. Only three – Maui, Oahu, and Kauai – have safe tap water that’s good to drink. The other five islands rely on groundwater wells contaminated with pesticides and nitrates from agricultural runoff.

In some cases, the contamination has been going on for decades. On Molokai and Lanai, residents have been drinking contaminated water for over 40 years.

That’s why the Hawaii State Health Department recommends that you don’t drink the water or cook with it on those five islands. They also recommend using a filter to wash dishes and hands, shower, and do laundry.

It’s worth noting that the state doesn’t consider these contamination levels hazardous. You probably won’t get sick from drinking or bathing in water. But it is better to be safe than sorry, especially if young kids are more susceptible to illnesses.

If you want to avoid these issues, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are the best places to visit. You can find safe water on those islands at convenience stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

Just ensure that the property owner has filtered their water supply, or else they’ve posted signs indicating contaminated water. If there aren’t any signs, it’s probably safe to assume that the water is all right to drink.

Conclusion

The water on Maui island is generally safe to drink, but it depends. Most water flowing through faucets and showers throughout the islands comes from underground aquifers. These natural reservoirs contain groundwater (or well water) filtered through rock, gravel, sand, and soil layers. While these aquifers provide potable water for most of the islands, there are a few areas where the water quality is questionable.

The good news is that this doesn’t pose any health risks, but it does make your water unpalatable. Sometimes it results in an unpleasant odor and taste to the water – usually described as “chlorine-like.” but the residents of Maui island drink the safest water, according to visitors and scientists.

References

Chrissie Smuts

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