A90/100

Kaneohe Bay Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 16,300 residents · Hawaii

What's In Kaneohe Bay's Tap Water?

66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals

EPA Violation History

3

Violations (last 5yr)

1

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – January 12, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – September 14, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII
Population Served

16,300

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

HI0000356

Frequently Asked Questions About Kaneohe Bay Water

Is Kaneohe Bay tap water safe to drink?

Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii tap water receives a grade of A (90/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Kaneohe Bay's water?

66 contaminants were tested in Kaneohe Bay's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.

Does Kaneohe Bay have any water quality violations?

Yes, Kaneohe Bay has 6 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Kaneohe Bay?

Kaneohe Bay water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.

Where does Kaneohe Bay's tap water come from?

Kaneohe Bay's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII. The system serves approximately 16,300 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Kaneohe Bay's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Kaneohe Bay's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Kaneohe Bay's water compare to other cities in Hawaii?

Kaneohe Bay's water quality score of 90/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Kaneohe Bay among the better-performing water systems in Hawaii. Visit our Hawaii state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Kaneohe Bay's water quality?

If you have concerns about Kaneohe Bay's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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