Is Pahala, HI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Pahala, HI — Water Quality Report
Pahala's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,301 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 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Pahala's water
Pahala ranks #54 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pahala 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, Pahala may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pahala, HI water safe to drink?
Pahala's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,301 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pahala
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pahala's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pahala's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pahala's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Pahala's water come from?
Pahala's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,301 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wailuku River At Piihonua (river), Honolii Stream Nr Papaikou (river).
What Pahala 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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 Pahala compares by contaminant
Explore where Pahala ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pahala's water comes from
Pahala'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,301 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pahala
Pahala is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pahala
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAHALA | HI0000109 | 1,226 | GW |
| WOOD VALLEY | HI0000166 | 75 | GW |
How Pahala compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Pahala's score of 86.7/100 is below the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Pahala, HI
Wikipedia →Hilo is the largest settlement in and the county seat of Hawaiʻi County, Hawaii, United States, which encompasses the Island of Hawaiʻi, and is a census-designated place (CDP). The population was 44,186 according to the 2020 census. It is the fourth-largest settlement in the state of Hawaiʻi, the largest settlement in the state outside of Oahu, and the largest settlement in the state outside of the Greater Honolulu Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pahala's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hawaii
Frequently asked questions
Is Pahala, HI tap water safe to drink?
Pahala's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #54 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Pahala's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Pahala'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 Pahala?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pahala's water come from?
Pahala's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,301 residents.
What health violations has Pahala's water system had?
Pahala has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2001. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Pahala's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pahala 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 Pahala's water compare to other cities?
Pahala ranks #54 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 18% of state cities) and #4539 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.