WaterVerge

Is Maunaloa, Molokai, 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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: HI0000231
Overall Score
90.1 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased ground water
#43 of 66 in Hawaii Top 16% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.1/100
waterverge.com
A 90.1/100

Maunaloa, Molokai, HI — Water Quality Report

Maunaloa, Molokai's drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using purchased ground water.

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 41 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Maunaloa, Molokai's water

Maunaloa, Molokai ranks #43 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Maunaloa, Molokai purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.

As a small community water system, Maunaloa, Molokai may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.1 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
40.1/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Purchased ground water.
Water Safety

Is Maunaloa, Molokai, HI water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Maunaloa, Molokai's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Maunaloa, Molokai

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Maunaloa, Molokai's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4604). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE DOUGLAS

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3529). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Maunaloa, Molokai's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Maunaloa, Molokai's water system has 41 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLTTOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2016 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2015 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2008 CYANIDE Resolved
Jan 2007 Surface Water Treatment Rule 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.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4604
HURRICANE DOUGLAS
Hurricane FEMA DR-3529
HURRICANE LANE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4395

Where does Maunaloa, Molokai's water come from?

Maunaloa, Molokai's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Maunaloa, Molokai residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Maunaloa, Molokai's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Maunaloa, Molokai'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

41
Total violations
9
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Oct 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

41 Total
3 Active
9 Health-based
38 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
24
Surface Water Treatment Rule
7
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Oct 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2007 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2016
Jul 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2015
Jan 2008 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Jan 2007 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jan 2007
Oct 2005 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2005
Jul 2005 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2005
Jan 2000 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
May 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved May 1998
Sep 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1993
Aug 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1993
Jun 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jun 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 1993
Mar 1990 Resolved
Coliform (Pre-TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Mar 1990
Jul 1989 Resolved
Coliform (Pre-TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Jul 1989
Jan 1989 Resolved
Coliform (Pre-TCR)
Other Violation Resolved Jan 1989
Showing 20 of 41 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
May 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

May 2021
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4604
Jul 2020
HURRICANE DOUGLAS
Hurricane FEMA #3529
Sep 2018
HURRICANE LANE
Hurricane FEMA #4395
Sep 2018
TROPICAL STORM OLIVIA
Hurricane FEMA #3404
Aug 2018
HURRICANE LANE
Hurricane FEMA #3399
Sep 1992
HURRICANE INIKI
Hurricane FEMA #961

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2006 (0.0 ppb) to 2021 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Maunaloa, Molokai compares by contaminant

Explore where Maunaloa, Molokai ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,000
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Maunaloa, Molokai's water comes from

Purchased Groundwater

Maunaloa, Molokai purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.

Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Maunaloa, Molokai's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.

Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.

The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,000 people through 1 water system.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Maunaloa, Molokai

System Name PWSID Population Source
MAUNALOA-KALUAKOI HI0000231 1,000 GWP
Regional Comparison

How Maunaloa, Molokai compares

Full Hawaii rankings →

Maunaloa, Molokai's score of 90.1/100 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.

Maunaloa, Molokai (this city)
90.1
Wailuku
91.4
Hawaii avg
92
City Profile

About Maunaloa, Molokai, 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.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Maunaloa, Molokai, HI tap water safe to drink?

Maunaloa, Molokai's water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #43 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.

What contaminants are in Maunaloa, Molokai's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 41 violations are on record.

How is Maunaloa, Molokai'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 Maunaloa, Molokai?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Maunaloa, Molokai's water come from?

Maunaloa, Molokai's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.

What health violations has Maunaloa, Molokai's water system had?

Maunaloa, Molokai has 9 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 Maunaloa, Molokai's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Maunaloa, Molokai 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 41 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 Maunaloa, Molokai's water compare to other cities?

Maunaloa, Molokai ranks #43 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 35% of state cities) and #2419 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Maunaloa, Molokai's small water system affect quality?

Maunaloa, Molokai's system serves approximately 1,000 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 41 violations on record.