Is Lanai, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.5/100
waterverge.com Lanai, HI — Water Quality Report
Lanai's drinking water received a grade of A (91.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 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 46 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lanai's water
Lanai ranks #39 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lanai 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, Lanai may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lanai, HI water safe to drink?
Lanai's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lanai
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lanai's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.5/100).
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: Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE, 1,1-Dichloroethylene.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, DICHLOROMETHANE.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lanai's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lanai's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 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 Lanai's water come from?
Lanai's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lanai 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.
Lanai'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 Lanai compares by contaminant
Explore where Lanai ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lanai's water comes from
Lanai'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 3,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Lanai
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LANAI CITY | HI0000237 | 3,200 | GW |
How Lanai compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Lanai's score of 91.5/100 is on par with the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Lanai, HI
Wikipedia →Lānaʻi City is a census-designated place (CDP) on the island of Lānaʻi, in Maui County, Hawai‘i, United States. The population was 3,332 at the 2020 census. Lānaʻi City is the island's commercial center. Many of the island's restaurants and shops are in the town square that surrounds Dole Park, and the only hospital on the island, Lānaʻi Community Hospital, is near the park.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lanai's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Maui
Frequently asked questions
Is Lanai, HI tap water safe to drink?
Lanai's water quality earned a grade of A (91.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Lanai's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Lanai'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 Lanai?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lanai's water come from?
Lanai's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 residents.
What health violations has Lanai's water system had?
Lanai has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lanai's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lanai 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 46 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 Lanai's water compare to other cities?
Lanai ranks #39 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 41% of state cities) and #1648 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lanai's small water system affect quality?
Lanai's system serves approximately 3,200 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 46 violations on record.