Is Kona, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Kona, HI — Water Quality Report
Kona's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,455 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 17 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kona's water
Kona ranks #64 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Kona 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kona, HI water safe to drink?
Kona's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,455 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kona
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kona's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kona's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Kona's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Kona's water come from?
Kona's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,455 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Waiaha Stream At Holualoa (river).
What Kona residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kona's water.
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
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kona's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kona compares by contaminant
Explore where Kona ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kona's water comes from
Kona'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 3,455 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Kona
Kona is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kona
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAUPULEHU | HI0000163 | 1,945 | GW |
| HAWAIIAN OCEAN VIEW ESTATES | HI0000169 | 1,000 | GW |
| KONA WATER SERVICE COMPANY | HI0000165 | 260 | GW |
| KEOPU WATER ASSOCIATION | HI0000168 | 250 | GWP |
How Kona compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Kona's score of 79.8/100 is below the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Kona, HI
Wikipedia →Kailua-Kona is an unincorporated community and, under the name Kailua, a census-designated place (CDP) in Hawaii County, Hawaii, United States. It is most commonly referred to simply as Kona, but also as Kona Town, and occasionally as Kailua, thus its less frequent use. Kailua-Kona is the second-largest settlement on the island of Hawaii and the largest on the island's west side, where it is the center of commerce and the tourist industry. Kailua-Kona is served by Kona International Airport, just to the north in the adjacent CDP of Kalaoa. The population was 19,713 at the 2020 census, up from 11,975 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kona's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hawaii
Frequently asked questions
Is Kona, HI tap water safe to drink?
Kona's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #64 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Kona's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Kona'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 Kona?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kona's water come from?
Kona's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,455 residents.
What health violations has Kona's water system had?
Kona has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kona's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kona 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 17 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 Kona's water compare to other cities?
Kona ranks #64 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 3% of state cities) and #8127 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.