Is Kawela, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Kawela ranks. What to do next ↓
97/100
waterverge.com Kawela, HI — Water Quality Report
Kawela's drinking water received a grade of A+ (97 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 553 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Kawela's water
Kawela ranks #12 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Kawela 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, Kawela may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kawela, HI water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Kawela's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 553 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kawela
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kawela's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4604). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3529). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kawela's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kawela's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Maui County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Waikolu Str Blw Pipe Nr Kalaupapa, Molokai, Waihanau Stream Nr Kalaupapa, Molokai, Kaunakakai Gulch At Altitude 75 Feet, Molokai, Ef Kawela Gulch Nr Kamalo, Molokai, Kawela Gulch Near Moku, Molokai.
Where does Kawela's water come from?
Kawela's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 553 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Waikolu Str Blw Pipe Nr Kalaupapa, Molokai (river), Waihanau Stream Nr Kalaupapa, Molokai (river), Kaunakakai Gulch At Altitude 75 Feet, Molokai (river), Ef Kawela Gulch Nr Kamalo, Molokai (river), Kawela Gulch Near Moku, Molokai (river).
What Kawela 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.
Kawela's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Maui County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 Kawela compares by contaminant
Explore where Kawela ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kawela's water comes from
Kawela'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 private ownership and serves approximately 553 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kawela
Kawela is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kawela
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAWELA PLANTATION | HI0000248 | 553 | GW |
How Kawela compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Kawela's score of 97/100 is on par with the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kawela's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Maui
Frequently asked questions
Is Kawela, HI tap water safe to drink?
Kawela's water quality earned a grade of A+ (97/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Kawela's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Kawela'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 Kawela?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kawela's water come from?
Kawela's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 553 residents.
Is Kawela's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kawela 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 1 violation 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 Kawela's water compare to other cities?
Kawela ranks #12 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 82% of state cities) and #119 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.
Does Kawela's small water system affect quality?
Kawela's system serves approximately 553 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 1 violation on record.