LIHUE — Half of U.S. states have well water corrosive enough to leach lead from pipes, but Kauai’s water is safe to drink, according to the state’s Department of Health. That comes from a U.S. Geological Survey study in which
LIHUE — Half of U.S. states have well water corrosive enough to leach lead from pipes, but Kauai’s water is safe to drink, according to the state’s Department of Health.
That comes from a U.S. Geological Survey study in which untreated groundwater was tested from private wells that supply water to 44 million Americans.
Corrosive groundwater was most prevalent in the southern and eastern United States. Hawaii was among 14 states with a high percentage of corrosive groundwater, but not as high of a percentage.
According to the DOH, there are 207 non-municipal production wells on Kauai. In addition, there are 71 municipal production wells, 11 of which are privately held.
“Hawaii ground water quality, while considered moderately corrosive by the recent USGS’ study, continues to be of high quality and fully compliant with all state and federal drinking water standards,” said Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for DOH.
