WaterVerge

Is Anahola, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Anahola ranks. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: HI0000401
Overall Score
96.2 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#15 of 66 in Hawaii Top 1% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
96.2/100
waterverge.com
A+ 96.2/100

Anahola, HI — Water Quality Report

Anahola's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,573 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 6 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Anahola's water

Anahola ranks #15 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Anahola relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Anahola may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
96.2 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Anahola, HI water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Anahola's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.2/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,573 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Anahola

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Anahola's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.2/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Anahola's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Anahola's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Dec 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Where does Anahola's water come from?

Anahola's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,573 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Right Branch Lawai Stream Nr Umauma Rd, Kauai (river), Weoweopilau Stream At Highway 50 Bridge, Kauai (river), Waiahi Str Us Upper Powerhouse, Kauai (river), Sf Wailua River Nr Lihue, Kauai (river), Nf Wailua Riv Abv N Wailua Ditch Int, Kauai (river).

What Anahola residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
5
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Dec 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
0 Active
5 Health-based
6 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
5
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
1
Dec 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2015
Dec 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2015
Nov 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2015
Nov 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Nov 2015
Oct 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 2015
Jan 2000 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 2010 (5.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,573
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Anahola's water comes from

Groundwater

Anahola's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,573 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Anahola

Anahola is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Right Branch Lawai Stream Nr Umauma Rd, Kauai
river
Weoweopilau Stream At Highway 50 Bridge, Kauai
river
Waiahi Str Us Upper Powerhouse, Kauai
river
Sf Wailua River Nr Lihue, Kauai
river
Nf Wailua Riv Abv N Wailua Ditch Int, Kauai
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Anahola

System Name PWSID Population Source
ANAHOLA HI0000401 2,473 GW
MOLOAA IRRIGATION COOPERATIVE HI0000437 100 GW
Regional Comparison

How Anahola compares

Full Hawaii rankings →

Anahola's score of 96.2/100 is on par with the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Anahola (this city)
96.2
Wailuku
91.4
Hawaii avg
92
City Profile

About Anahola, HI

Wikipedia →

Līhuʻe is an unincorporated community, census-designated place (CDP) and the county seat of Kauaʻi County, Hawaii, United States. Līhuʻe is the second-largest town on the Hawaiian island of Kauaʻi, following Kapaʻa. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a population of 6,455, up from 5,694 at the 2000 census.

Economic Profile
$88,667
Median Income
$499,880
Median Home Value
$1,529/mo
Median Rent
6.2%
Unemployment
Community
40.9
Median Age
299
People / sq mi
14.2%
College Educated
85.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Anahola, HI tap water safe to drink?

Anahola's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.

What contaminants are in Anahola's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Anahola's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Anahola?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Anahola's water come from?

Anahola's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,573 residents.

What health violations has Anahola's water system had?

Anahola has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

Is Anahola's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Anahola uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 6 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Anahola's water compare to other cities?

Anahola ranks #15 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 77% of state cities) and #211 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.