Is Hanalei (Dow), HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.7/100
waterverge.com Hanalei (Dow), HI — Water Quality Report
Hanalei (Dow)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 674 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Hanalei (Dow)'s water
Hanalei (Dow) ranks #48 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hanalei (Dow) 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, Hanalei (Dow) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hanalei (Dow), HI water safe to drink?
Hanalei (Dow)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 674 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hanalei (Dow)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hanalei (Dow)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hanalei (Dow)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hanalei (Dow)'s water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Hanalei (Dow)'s water come from?
Hanalei (Dow)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 674 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 Hanalei (Dow) residents can do
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hanalei (Dow) compares by contaminant
Explore where Hanalei (Dow) ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hanalei (Dow)'s water comes from
Hanalei (Dow)'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 674 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hanalei (Dow)
Hanalei (Dow) is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hanalei (Dow)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HANALEI | HI0000403 | 500 | GW |
| ANINI | HI0000402 | 174 | GWP |
How Hanalei (Dow) compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Hanalei (Dow)'s score of 89.7/100 is on par with the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Hanalei (Dow), 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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hanalei (Dow)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kauai
Frequently asked questions
Is Hanalei (Dow), HI tap water safe to drink?
Hanalei (Dow)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Hanalei (Dow)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Hanalei (Dow)'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 Hanalei (Dow)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hanalei (Dow)'s water come from?
Hanalei (Dow)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 674 residents.
Is Hanalei (Dow)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hanalei (Dow) 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 2 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 Hanalei (Dow)'s water compare to other cities?
Hanalei (Dow) ranks #48 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 27% of state cities) and #2682 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.