Is Kualapuu, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Kualapuu, HI — Water Quality Report
Kualapuu's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 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 22 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kualapuu's water
Kualapuu ranks #35 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kualapuu 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, Kualapuu may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kualapuu, HI water safe to drink?
Kualapuu's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kualapuu
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kualapuu's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kualapuu's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kualapuu's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Kualapuu's water come from?
Kualapuu's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Kualapuu residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kualapuu'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.
Kualapuu'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kualapuu
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kualapuu, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MAUI ELECTRIC CO LTD PALAAU GENERATING STATION KAUNAKAKAI, HI96748 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Kualapuu compares by contaminant
Explore where Kualapuu ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kualapuu's water comes from
Kualapuu'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kualapuu
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KUALAPUU | HI0000229 | 500 | GW |
How Kualapuu compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Kualapuu's score of 92.3/100 is on par with the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Kualapuu, HI
Wikipedia →Maunaloa or Mauna Loa is a census-designated place (CDP) in Maui County, Hawaiʻi, United States, in the western part of the island of Molokai. The population was 435 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kualapuu's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Maui
Frequently asked questions
Is Kualapuu, HI tap water safe to drink?
Kualapuu's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #35 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Kualapuu's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Kualapuu'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 Kualapuu?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kualapuu's water come from?
Kualapuu's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
What health violations has Kualapuu's water system had?
Kualapuu has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kualapuu's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kualapuu 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 22 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 Kualapuu's water compare to other cities?
Kualapuu ranks #35 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 47% of state cities) and #1309 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kualapuu's small water system affect quality?
Kualapuu's system serves approximately 500 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 22 violations on record.