A95/100
Lihue Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 64,997 residents · Hawaii
What's In Lihue's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2018.
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
LIHUE-KAPAA
Population Served
34,854
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
HI0000400
ANAHOLA
Population Served
2,473
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
HI0000401
HANAPEPE-ELEELE
Population Served
5,592
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
HI0000404
KEKAHA-WAIMEA
Population Served
5,998
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
HI0000406
KILAUEA
Population Served
3,420
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
HI0000407
KALAHEO-KOLOA
Population Served
12,660
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
HI0000434
Frequently Asked Questions About Lihue Water
Is Lihue tap water safe to drink?
Lihue, Hawaii tap water receives a grade of A (95/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 69 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Lihue's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Lihue's water supply, the most notable include vanadium. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Lihue have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lihue has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include MR. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Lihue?
Lihue 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Lihue's tap water come from?
Lihue's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by LIHUE-KAPAA and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 64,997 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lihue'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. Lihue'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 Lihue's water compare to other cities in Hawaii?
Lihue's water quality score of 95/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Lihue 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 Lihue's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lihue'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 (LIHUE-KAPAA) 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.