DOH DECLARES FOUR NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONES SAFE
News Release from DoH, Mar 18, 2022
HONOLULU- The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) today amended its health advisory for Zones C1, C2, C3, and D3 of the Navy water system. All Navy water system users in Zones C1, C2, C3, and D3 may now use water for all purposes, including drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets.
The health advisory for all 19 zones and Manana Housing has been amended and water in these zones is safe to drink. DOH is waiting for an additional line of evidence from the Navy regarding non-residential areas of the distribution system and expects to lift the health advisory for the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Water System No. HI0000360 and consecutive Aliamanu Military Reservation Public Water System No. HI0000337 when the Navy verifies this information and the final Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring Plan is approved by DOH.
“I can’t emphasize enough how much I admire the strength of the individuals and families impacted by this crisis,” said Deputy Director of Environmental Health Kathleen Ho. “These last amendments represent months of work to ensure that the 19 flushing zones and Manana Housing have access to safe drinking water. However, our work is not done. We will continue rigorous oversight to protect drinking water, including our aquifer, and will hold the Navy accountable to protect public health and the environment.”
Zone C1, Sub Base
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone C1.
Zone C2, Hale Alii, Marine Barracks, Hospital Point
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone C2.
Zone C3, Shipyard, Hospital Point
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone C3.
Zone D3, Earhart Village
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone D3.
Click here for an updated map on zone status.
The Navy water system’s source water is coming from the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft. The Waiawa Shaft water has been tested to verify that it is safe to drink. The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft, which is contaminated, has been disconnected from the water system.
DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subject matter experts completed a final review of all sample data and how the Navy water system maintains operations to ensure safe drinking water.
DOH and EPA oversaw months of work to provide individuals and families in Zones C1, C2, C3, and D3 with assurance of safe drinking water. This included overseeing flushing operations to confirm that the Navy followed flushing and testing protocol to verify that contamination was removed from the drinking water system.
An independent, third-party laboratory incorrectly reported the presence of bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (BCEE) in samples in Zones C1 and C2. The Interagency Drinking Water System Team (IDWST) investigation determined, in agreement with the laboratory, that the initial BCEE results were false-positives. The IDWST, EPA and DOH concur with this conclusion. The IDWST resampled all locations where BCEE was initially detected. The laboratory reviewed the original samples and the new samples and did not detect BCEE in any of them.
One sample collected from an indoor sink at a Child Development Center in Zone C1 exceeded the action level and DOH Incident Specific Parameter of 15 parts per billion for lead. The sample result for lead was 49 parts per billion. The fixture was replaced, and the sink was resampled, re-flushed, and then sampled again. Subsequently, the test results for all samples were below the action level.
A sampled collected from a Navy Exchange facility in Zone C2 initially tested above the DOH total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) screening level of a combined 211 parts per billion. The facility was re-flushed and re-tested. Subsequently, all samples met DOH’s TPH screening level.
The IDWST’s joint plan to draw samples from more than 900, or at least 10% of homes, and 100% of schools and child development centers on the overall Navy water system provides accurate data in determining that the water in all homes and buildings is safe. Additional homes and buildings will be sampled as part of a drinking water long-term monitoring plan.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Zones C1, C2, C3, and D3 safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that no contamination is entering the Navy water system and no contamination remains in Zones C1, C2, C3, and D3. DOH’s investigation showed:
The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft is physically disconnected from the Navy water system.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
No additional contamination is occurring in the water system
A Cross Connection Control investigation shows the distribution system is protected, resulting in no additional sources of contamination.
Water within the distribution system is safe to drink
The completion of the zone flushing plan implementation demonstrates the entire zone is flushed.
Sample results show the water in the distribution system meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
Drinking water does not show sheen, olfactory evidence, or other qualitative methods of petroleum.
Water in homes/building plumbing is safe to drink
The Flushing Plan includes procedures to ensure no service connections will re-contaminate the distribution system.
Samples were collected from homes and buildings three days after flushing. This stagnation period was built in to detect possible leaching of contaminants from pipes or other plumbing.
Sample results show water in premise plumbing of homes/buildings meet State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
If Navy water system users have a question or concern about the quality of their water, please contact DOH at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov or 808-586-4258.
Click here for a full list of DOH’s screening criteria.
Click here to view validated testing results.
Click here for a one pager on how to read laboratory results.
Click here to view the full data package for Zone C1 that led DOH to issue this amendment.
Click here to view the full data package for Zone C2 that led DOH to issue this amendment.
Click here to view the full data package for Zone C3 that led DOH to issue this amendment.
Click here to view the full data package for Zone D3 that led DOH to issue this amendment.
KITV Mar 21, 2022: IDWST addresses other compounds found in water during flushing process
Navy March 21, 2022: Post-Exceedance Drinking Water Results Confirm Water Safe to Drink
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DOH DECLARES NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONES F1, F2, H2 & H3 SAFE
News Release from Hawaii State Department of Health, Mar 11, 2022
WHAT: Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Declares Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan Zones F1, F2, H2, and H3 Safe; Health Advisory Amended; Residents Allowed to Drink Tap Water
WHERE: Zone F1, NEX, Moanalua Terrace
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone F1.
Zone F2, Catlin Park, Maloelap, Dorris Miller, Halsey Terrace, Radford Terrace
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone F2.
Zone H2, Aliamanu Military Reservation
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone H2.
Zone H3, Aliamanu Military Reservation
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone H3.
Click here for an updated map on zone status.
WHEN: March 11, 2022
BACKGROUND: All Navy water system users in Zones F1, F2, H2, and H3 may now use water for all purposes including drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets.
The Navy water system’s source water is coming from the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft. The Waiawa Shaft water has been tested to verify that it is safe to drink. The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft, which is contaminated, has been disconnected from the water system.
DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subject matter experts completed a final review of all sample data and how the Navy water system maintains operations to ensure safe drinking water.
DOH and EPA oversaw months of work to provide individuals and families in Zones F1, F2, H2, and H3 with assurance of safe drinking water. This included overseeing flushing operations to confirm that the Navy followed flushing and testing protocol to verify that contamination was removed from the drinking water system.
One sample collected from an outdoor sink at a school in Zone F1 initially tested above the DOH Incident Specific Parameter for beryllium. The fixture was re-flushed and re-sampled. Subsequently, all sampled homes and buildings meet DOH’s beryllium screening level of four parts per billion.
Samples collected from one home in Zone F2 initially tested above the TPH screening level set by DOH. The home was re-flushed and re-tested. Subsequently, all sampled homes and buildings meet DOH’s TPH screening level.
An independent, third-party laboratory incorrectly reported the presence of bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (BCEE) in samples in Zones F2, H2, and H3. The Interagency Drinking Water System Team (IDWST) investigation determined, in agreement with the laboratory, that the initial BCEE results were a false-positive. As members of the IDWST, EPA and DOH concur with this conclusion. The IDWST resampled all locations where BCEE was initially detected. The laboratory reviewed the original samples and the new samples and did not detect BCEE in any of them.
The IDWST’s joint plan to draw samples from more than 900, or at least 10% of homes, and 100% of schools and child development centers on the overall Navy water system provides accurate data in determining that the water in all homes and buildings is safe. Additional homes and buildings will be sampled as part of a long-term monitoring plan.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Zones F1, F2, H2, and H3 safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that no contamination is entering the Navy water system and no contamination remains in Zones F1, F2, H2, and H3. DOH’s investigation showed:
Reported sources of contamination are contained
- The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft is physically disconnected from the Navy water system.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
No additional contamination is occurring in the water system
- A Cross Connection Control investigation shows the distribution system is protected, resulting in no additional sources of contamination.
Water within the distribution system is safe to drink
- The completion of the zone flushing plan implementation demonstrates the entire zone is flushed.
- Sample results show the water in the distribution system meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
- Drinking water does not show sheen, olfactory evidence, or other qualitative methods of petroleum.
Water in homes/building plumbing is safe to drink
- The Flushing Plan includes procedures to ensure no service connections will re-contaminate the distribution system.
- Samples were collected from homes and buildings three days after flushing. This stagnation period was built in to detect possible leaching of contaminants from pipes or other plumbing.
- Sample results show water in premise plumbing of homes/buildings meet State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
If Navy water system users have a question or concern about the quality of their water, please contact DOH at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov or 808-586-4258.
RESOURCES:
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DOH DECLARES NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONES D4 & E1 SAFE
News Release from Hawaii DoH, Mar 8, 2022
WHAT: Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Declares Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan Zones D4 & E1 Safe; Health Advisory Amended; Residents Allowed to Drink Tap Water
WHERE: Zone D4, Hawaii Air National Guard
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone D4.
Zone E1, Makalapa
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone E1.
Click here for an updated map on zone status.
WHEN: March 8, 2022
BACKGROUND: All Navy water system users in Zone D4 and E1 may now use water for all purposes including drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets.
The Navy water system’s source water is coming from the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft. The Waiawa Shaft water has been tested to verify that it is safe to drink. The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft, which is contaminated, has been disconnected from the water system.
DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subject matter experts completed a final review of all sample data and how the Navy water system maintains operations to ensure safe drinking water.
DOH and EPA oversaw months of work to provide individuals and families in Zones D4 and E1 with assurance of safe drinking water. This included overseeing flushing operations to confirm that the Navy followed flushing and testing protocol to verify that contamination was removed from the drinking water system.
The IDWST’s joint plan to draw samples from more than 900, or at least 10% of homes, and 100% of schools and child development centers on the overall Navy water system provides accurate data in determining that the water in all homes and buildings is safe. Additional homes and buildings will be sampled as part of a long-term monitoring plan.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Zones D4 and E1 safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that no contamination is entering the Navy water system and no contamination remains in Zones D4 and E1. DOH’s investigation showed:
Reported sources of contamination are contained
- The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft is physically disconnected from the Navy water system.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
No additional contamination is occurring in the water system
- A Cross Connection Control investigation shows the distribution system is protected, resulting in no additional sources of contamination.
Water within the distribution system is safe to drink
- The completion of the zone flushing plan implementation demonstrates the entire zone is flushed.
- Sample results show the water in the distribution system meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
- Drinking water does not show sheen, olfactory evidence, or other qualitative methods of petroleum.
Water in homes/building plumbing is safe to drink
- The Flushing Plan includes procedures to ensure no service connections will re-contaminate the distribution system.
- Samples were collected from homes and buildings three days after flushing. This stagnation period was built in to detect possible leaching of contaminants from pipes or other plumbing.
- Sample results show water in premise plumbing of homes/buildings meet State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
If Navy water system users have a question or concern about the quality of their water, please contact DOH at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov or 808-586-4258.
Navy Mar 8, 2022: Drinking Water Data Packages for 4 Housing Zones Submitted to Hawaii Department of Health
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DOH DECLARES NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONES B1, G1, H1 SAFE
News Release from Hawaii DoH, Mar 3, 2022
WHAT: Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Declares Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan Zones B1, G1, and H1 Safe; Health Advisory Amended; Residents Allowed to Drink Tap Water
WHERE: Zone B1, McGrew, Halawa
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone B1.
Zone G1, Camp Smith
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone G1.
Zone H1, Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR)
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone H1.
The DOH health advisory remains in place for Zones H2 and H3, which are also labeled as Aliamanu Military Reservation
Click here for an updated map on zone status.
WHEN: March 3, 2022
BACKGROUND: All Navy water system users in Zones B1, G1, and H1 may now use water for all purposes including drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets.
The Navy water system’s source water is coming from the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft. The Waiawa Shaft water has been tested to verify that it is safe to drink. The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft, which is contaminated, has been disconnected from the water system.
DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subject matter experts completed a final review of all sample data and how the Navy water system maintains operations to ensure safe drinking water.
DOH and EPA oversaw months of work to provide individuals and families in Zones B1, G1, and H1 with assurance of safe drinking water. This included overseeing flushing operations to confirm that the Navy followed flushing and testing protocol to verify that contamination was removed from the drinking water system.
One sample collected from a home in Zone B1 initially tested above the DOH Incident Specific Parameter for bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, also known as di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate or DEHP. The home was re-flushed and re-sampled. Subsequently, all sampled homes and buildings meet DOH’s DEHP screening level of 6 parts per billion.
An independent, third-party laboratory incorrectly reported the presence of bis(2-chloroethyl)ether (BCEE) in samples in Zones B1 and H1. The Interagency Drinking Water System Team (IDWST) investigation determined, in agreement with the laboratory, that the initial BCEE results were a false-positive. As members of the IDWST, EPA and DOH concur with this conclusion. The IDWST resampled all locations where BCEE was initially detected. The laboratory reviewed the original samples and the new samples and did not detect BCEE in any of them.
The IDWST’s joint plan to draw samples from more than 900, or at least 10% of homes, and 100% of schools and child development centers on the overall Navy water system provides accurate data in determining that the water in all homes and buildings is safe. Additional homes and buildings will be sampled as part of a long-term monitoring plan.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Zones B1, G1, and H1 safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that no contamination is B1, G1, and H1. DOH’s investigation showed:
Reported sources of contamination are contained
- The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft is physically disconnected from the Navy water system.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
No additional contamination is occurring in the water system
- A Cross Connection Control investigation shows the distribution system is protected, resulting in no additional sources of contamination.
Water within the distribution system is safe to drink
- The completion of the zone flushing plan implementation demonstrates the entire zone is flushed.
- Sample results show the water in the distribution system meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
- Drinking water does not show sheen, olfactory evidence, or other qualitative methods of petroleum.
Water in homes/building plumbing is safe to drink
- The Flushing Plan includes procedures to ensure no service connections will re-contaminate the distribution system.
- Samples were collected from homes and buildings three days after flushing. This stagnation period was built in to detect possible leaching of contaminants from pipes or other plumbing.
- Sample results show water in premise plumbing of homes/buildings meet State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
If Navy water system users have a question or concern about the quality of their water, please contact DOH at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov or 808-586-4258.
RESOURCES: Click here for a full list of DOH’s screening criteria.
CB: DOH Says Water Safe To Drink In Four More Military Neighborhoods
USN: Drinking Water Data Released for Halawa, McGrew (Zone B1), Camp Smith (Zone G1), and Aliamanu Military Reservation (Zone H1)
Navy: Makalapa (Zone E1), Aliamanu Military Reservation (Zone H3) Drinking Water Data Packages Submitted to Hawaii Department of Health
DVIDS: Aliamanu Military Reservation (Zone H2) Drinking Water Data Package Submitted to Hawaii Department of Health
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DOH DECLARES NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONES A2, D1, MANANA HOUSING SAFE
News Release from Hawaii DoH, Mar 1, 2022
WHAT: Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Declares Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan Zones A2, D1, and Manana Housing Safe; Health Advisory Amended; Residents Allowed to Drink Tap Water
WHERE: Zone A2, Ford Island
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone A2.
Zone D1, Hale Moku, Hokulani
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone D1.
Manana Marine Corps Housing
Click here to view DOH’s health advisory amendment for Manana Housing.
Click here for an updated map on zone status.
WHEN: March 1, 2022
BACKGROUND: All Navy water system users in Manana Housing, Zone A2 and Zone D1 may now use water for all purposes including drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets.
The Navy water system’s source water is coming from the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft. The Waiawa Shaft water has been tested to verify that it is safe to drink. The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft, which is contaminated, has been disconnected from the water system.
DOH and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) subject matter experts completed a final review of all sample data and how the Navy water system maintains operations to ensure safe drinking water.
Zones A2 and D1
DOH and EPA oversaw months of work to provide individuals and families in Zones A2 and D1 with assurance of safe drinking water. This included overseeing flushing operations to confirm that the Navy followed flushing and testing protocol to verify that contamination was removed from the drinking water system.
One sample collected from a home in Zone A2 initially tested above the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) screening level set by DOH. The homes were re-flushed and re-tested. Subsequently, all sampled homes and buildings meet DOH’s TPH screening level.
Two samples collected from homes in Zone D1 initially tested above the TPH screening level set by DOH. The homes were re-flushed and re-tested. Subsequently, all sampled homes and buildings meet DOH’s TPH screening level.
The IDWST’s joint plan to draw samples from more than 900, or at least 10% of homes, and 100% of schools and child development centers on the overall Navy water system provides accurate data in determining that the water in all homes and buildings is safe. Additional homes and buildings will be sampled as part of a long-term monitoring plan.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Zones A2 and D1 safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that no contamination is entering the Navy water system and no contamination remains in Zones A2 and D1. DOH’s investigation showed:
Reported sources of contamination are contained
- The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft is physically disconnected from the Navy water system.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
No additional contamination is occurring in the water system
- A Cross Connection Control investigation shows the distribution system is protected, resulting in no additional sources of contamination.
Water within the distribution system is safe to drink
- The zone flushing plan demonstrates the entire zone is flushed.
- Sample results show the water in the distribution system meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
- Drinking water does not show sheen, olfactory evidence, or other qualitative methods of petroleum.
Water in homes/building plumbing is safe to drink
- The Flushing Plan includes procedures to ensure no service connections will re-contaminate the distribution system.
- Samples were collected from homes and buildings three days after flushing. This stagnation period was built in to detect possible leaching of contaminants from pipes or other plumbing.
- Sample results show water in premise plumbing of homes/buildings meet State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
Manana Marine Corps Housing
In November 2021, the Joint Base Pearl Harbor‐Hickam (JBPHH) drinking water distribution system at Manana Marine Corps Housing (Manana Housing) reported booster pump issues and was unable to provide water to Manana Housing.
This prompted an emergency connection that switched the source of drinking water for Manana Housing from the Navy water system to the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) on November 16, 2021. This switch to the BWS source occurred before the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility jet fuel spill event reported on November 20, 2021.
On November 28, 2021, it was reported by the Navy that a chemical release of petroleum, which is a hazardous substance, entered the JBPHH drinking water distribution system and the Red Hill Shaft. This release triggered an emergency response and DOH issuance of the Advisory on November 29, 2021, for the entire Navy water system.
Complaints of water quality from Manana Housing coincided with increasing complaint calls from other areas of the Navy water system. As Manana Housing was not receiving water from the Navy water system at the time of the incident, a separate investigation was completed.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Manana Housing safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that the Manana Housing tap water supply is safe to drink. DOH’s investigation showed:
A water quality investigation demonstrated that water is safe to drink
- The Marine Corps conducted water and residential testing prior to a whole system maintenance type flushing. Post flushing confirmation sampling was conducted.
- The DOH also tested the distribution system to determine the quality of the flushing.
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
Manana Housing was served by the City and County of Honolulu
- The drinking water source for Manana Housing was switched from the Navy Water System to BWS on November 16, 2021.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
Manana Housing will only be served by the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft moving forward
- At the request of the Board of Water Supply, Manana Housing will be switched back to the Navy water system.
- The Navy’s Waiawa Shaft is the single entry point to provide tap water to Manana Housing.
If Navy water system users have a question or concern about the quality of their water, please contact DOH at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov or 808-586-4258.
RESOURCES:
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SA: Hawaii Health Department lifts ‘do not drink’ water advisory for Ford Island, Hale Moku and Hokulani
SA: Navy says detections of carcinogen in Oahu water were result of lab error
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DOH DECLARES NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONE A1 SAFE
News Release from Hawaii DoH, Feb 23, 2022
Click here for an updated map on zone status.
Click here to view the completed checklist that supports DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone A1.
WHAT: Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) Declares Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan Zone A1 Safe; Health Advisory Amended; Residents Allowed to Drink Tap Water
WHERE: Zone A1, Pearl City Peninsula
WHEN: February 23, 2022
BACKGROUND: All Navy water system users in flushing Zone A1 may now use water for all purposes including drinking, cooking, and oral hygiene.
The Navy water system’s source water is coming from the Navy’s Waiawa Shaft. The source water has been tested to verify that it is safe to drink. The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft, which is contaminated, has been disconnected from the water system.
DOH and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversaw months of work to provide individuals and families in Pearl City Peninsula with assurance of safe drinking water. This included overseeing flushing operations to confirm that the Navy followed flushing and testing protocol to verify that contamination was removed from the drinking water system.
All of the 83 samples collected from homes or buildings in Zone A1 did not detect petroleum.
The IDWST’s joint plan to draw samples from more than 900, or at least 10% of homes, and 100% of schools and child development centers on the overall Navy water system provides an accurate picture to confirm that the water in all homes and buildings is safe. Additional homes and buildings will be sampled as part of a long-term monitoring plan.
The decision to amend the health advisory and declare the water in Zone A1 safe was made after DOH’s multiple lines of evidence confirmed that no contamination is entering the Navy water system and no contamination remains in Zone A1. DOH’s investigation showed:
Reported sources of contamination are contained
- The Navy’s Red Hill Shaft is physically disconnected from the Navy water system.
Source water from the Waiawa Shaft is safe to drink
- Sample results show the water meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
- No additional contamination is occurring in the water system
- A Cross Connection Control investigation shows the distribution system is protected, resulting in no additional sources of contamination.
Water within the distribution system is safe to drink
- The zone flushing plan demonstrates the entire zone is flushed.
- Sample results show the water in distribution system meets State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
- Drinking water does not show sheen, olfactory evidence, or other qualitative methods of petroleum.
Water in homes/building plumbing is safe to drink
- The Flushing Plan includes procedures to ensure no service connections will re-contaminate the distribution system.
- Samples were collected from homes and buildings three days after flushing. This stagnation period was built in to detect possible leaching of contaminants from pipes or other plumbing.
- Sample results show water in premise plumbing of homes/buildings meet State and Federal regulations and project screening levels of the incident specific parameters.
If Navy water system users have a question or concern about the quality of their water, please contact DOH at sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov or 808-586-4258.
RESOURCES:
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DOH DECLARES NAVY DRINKING WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ZONE I1 SAFE
Health Advisory Amended for Red Hill Housing
Click here to view DOH’s certification memo and completed checklist that support DOH’s health advisory amendment for Zone I1
News Release from DoH, Feb 14, 2022
HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) today amended its health advisory for Zone I1 (Red Hill Housing) of the Navy water system. Residents in Zone I1 can use their water for all purposes.
“Today’s amendment for Zone I1 is the result of months of work overseen by DOH and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide individuals and families in Red Hill Housing with assurance that their water is safe to drink,” said Deputy Director of Environmental Health Kathleen Ho. “We understand that many are wary, and we will continue to investigate complaints and hold the Navy accountable to provide safe drinking water. DOH will act methodically, based on science, and in a manner that is protective of public health as we evaluate the remaining Navy water system zones.”
The advisory amendment for Zone I1 goes into effect today, February 14. Flushing Zone I1 is within the Army’s Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR) Public Water System (PWS No. 337). This water system is a consecutive system to the Navy’s Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Water System (PWS No. 360), meaning that the AMR’s source of water comes from the Navy system. Navy water system users in other areas remain under the health advisory and should not consume tap water.
Individuals with questions or concerns can contact DOH at 808-586-4258 or sdwb@doh.hawaii.gov.
Petroleum, which is a hazardous substance, entered the Navy’s Red Hill Shaft and the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam drinking water distribution system in late November 2021. This triggered an emergency response, including issuance of a health advisory by DOH on November 29, 2021, affecting more than 90,000 people on the Navy water system.
DOH established Environmental Action Levels and incident specific screening levels for monitoring and responding in cases of petroleum-contaminated drinking water. Whenever contaminants exceed the project screening levels, additional actions are required before a health advisory can be amended.
DOH and members of the Interagency Drinking Water System Team tested the Navy’s water source, Waiawa Shaft, drinking water distribution system waterlines, homes and buildings in Zone I1.
All tests met requirements for drinking water safety, including for DOH’s updated project screening level for cumulative Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons of 211 parts per billion (ppb). DOH completed a risk-based analysis based on the likely release of JP-5 jet fuel and is using this more protective screening level to evaluate all Navy water system flushing zones. Click here for a full list of DOH’s screening criteria.
In the case of the current incident, data gathered by the IDWST for each of the 19 flushing zones of the Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan are being evaluated. Only when all incident specific parameters have been met and documented will each zone be declared safe.
Click here to view validated sampling results from Zone I1
Click here for a one pager on how to read laboratory results
Click here to read the Navy’s full removal action report for Zone I1. The Navy is responsible for making a printed copy available at the Pearl City Public Library.
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PDF: DOH Declares Drinking Water Distribution System Recovery Plan Zone I1 Safe
SA Editorial: Be wary of water as housing reopens
KITV: Some residents reluctant to use Navy water despite health official's assurance it's safe
Hirono-statement-on-red-hill
Big Q: If you lived in the Red Hill military water zone just cleared for clean-water use, would you return with confidence?