Is Pepeekeo, 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 ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Pepeekeo, HI — Water Quality Report
Pepeekeo's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,510 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pepeekeo's water
Pepeekeo ranks #62 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pepeekeo 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, Pepeekeo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pepeekeo, HI water safe to drink?
Pepeekeo's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,510 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pepeekeo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pepeekeo's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pepeekeo'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
Pepeekeo's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Pepeekeo's water come from?
Pepeekeo's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,510 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 Pepeekeo 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Pepeekeo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pepeekeo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HILL GENERATING STATION HILO, HI96720 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
ALOHA PETROLEUM LLC-HILO WEST TERMINAL HILO, HI96720 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pepeekeo'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. | 1.55 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pepeekeo compares by contaminant
Explore where Pepeekeo ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pepeekeo's water comes from
Pepeekeo'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 1,510 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pepeekeo
Pepeekeo is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pepeekeo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEPEEKEO | HI0000106 | 1,450 | GW |
| PEPEEKEO WATER ASSOCIATION | HI0000167 | 60 | GWP |
How Pepeekeo compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Pepeekeo's score of 82.4/100 is below the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Pepeekeo, 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 Pepeekeo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hawaii
Frequently asked questions
Is Pepeekeo, HI tap water safe to drink?
Pepeekeo's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #62 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Pepeekeo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Pepeekeo'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 Pepeekeo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pepeekeo's water come from?
Pepeekeo's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,510 residents.
What health violations has Pepeekeo's water system had?
Pepeekeo has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pepeekeo's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pepeekeo 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 2 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 Pepeekeo's water compare to other cities?
Pepeekeo ranks #62 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 6% of state cities) and #6993 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.