Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has completed drinking water sampling in wildfire-impacted areas of Lahaina, Hawaii. This effort is a critical step towards aiding the County of Maui in restoring drinking water services to the community.
The County of Maui will use data from these sampling results to evaluate whether it is appropriate to amend the current Unsafe Water Advisories. Presently, the advisory remains in effect for certain areas of Lahaina Town, and residents are advised not to use the water until further notice.
“EPA has worked closely with county, state, and community leaders since the fires to assist in restoring drinking water and wastewater services to Lahaina Town,” said EPA Incident Commander Dawn Ison. “Finishing drinking water sample collection is a major step towards achieving that goal. EPA is honored to do our part in getting families back home.”
"EPA’s assistance has been absolutely critical to the speedy recovery, and I’ve been extremely impressed with the skill and dedication of the EPA staff. They have coordinated seamlessly with County staff and applied excellent problem-solving skills,” said County of Maui Drinking Water Supply Director John Stufflebean.
Under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and at the request of both county and state authorities, EPA tested drinking water quality in lateral service lines connecting water mains to properties with burned structures. If contamination was detected or if a lateral was too damaged for sampling, those lines will be isolated from the main distribution line and marked for future replacement. Preparatory measures included sampling main drinking water distribution lines at hydrants to ensure they were free from contaminants.
This completion marks a significant milestone in helping restore drinking water services in Lahaina. The EPA will continue collaborating with local authorities to isolate lines for eventual replacement. Additionally, staff from EPA Region 9 will maintain engagement with the community and government partners on various recovery initiatives.
Residents can monitor updates on safe drinking water access through the County of Maui’s website at mauirecovers.org or by calling (808) 270-7550.
