Is Ualapue, 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 ↓
94.3/100
Ualapue, HI — Water Quality Report
Ualapue's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,119 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ualapue's water
Ualapue ranks #21 out of 66 cities in Hawaii for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Ualapue 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, Ualapue may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ualapue, HI water safe to drink?
Ualapue's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,119 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ualapue
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ualapue's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
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: Benzo(a)pyrene, Diquat, 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Contaminants: Coliform (Pre-TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ualapue's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ualapue's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
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. Local water sources include Wailuku River At Kepaniwai Park, Maui, Wailuku River At Iao Valley Road, Maui, S Waiehu Str Us Of Ditch At Alt. 315 Ft, Maui, Waihee Rv Abv Waihee Dtch Intk Nr Waihee, Maui, Kahakuloa Stream Near Honokohau, Maui.
Where does Ualapue's water come from?
Ualapue's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,119 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 Kepaniwai Park, Maui (river), Wailuku River At Iao Valley Road, Maui (river), S Waiehu Str Us Of Ditch At Alt. 315 Ft, Maui (river), Waihee Rv Abv Waihee Dtch Intk Nr Waihee, Maui (river), Kahakuloa Stream Near Honokohau, Maui (river).
What Ualapue 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.
Ualapue'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ualapue compares by contaminant
Explore where Ualapue ranks among all Hawaii cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ualapue's water comes from
Ualapue'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 1,119 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ualapue
Ualapue is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ualapue
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UALAPUE | HI0000233 | 1,119 | GW |
How Ualapue compares
Full Hawaii rankings →Ualapue's score of 94.3/100 is on par with the average of 92/100 among major Hawaii cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Hawaii rankings →About Ualapue, HI
Wikipedia →Wailuku is a census-designated place (CDP) in and county seat of Maui Island, Maui County, Hawaii, United States. The population was 17,697 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ualapue's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Maui
Frequently asked questions
Is Ualapue, HI tap water safe to drink?
Ualapue's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #21 out of 66 cities tested in Hawaii.
What contaminants are in Ualapue's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Ualapue'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 Ualapue?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ualapue's water come from?
Ualapue's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,119 residents.
Is Ualapue's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ualapue 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 9 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 Ualapue's water compare to other cities?
Ualapue ranks #21 out of 66 cities in Hawaii (better than 68% of state cities) and #548 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ualapue's small water system affect quality?
Ualapue's system serves approximately 1,119 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 9 violations on record.