If you’re planning a visit to Maui any time soon, you may be wondering if the tap water on Maui is safe to drink.
Maui is an island after all, so how efficient could the island’s treatment and cleaning system be—even though it’s a U.S. state. Will you have to budget in buying bottled water at a local grocery store?
In this article we’re answering all your questions regarding the drinking water on Maui, and the rest of Hawaii.
Can You Drink The Tap Water On Maui?
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Yes, the tap water on Maui is completely safe to drink.
It meets all of the federal and state standards for safe drinking water levels, as instructed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Hawaiian State Department of Health.
The water originates from streams in East Maui and is then treated and disinfected at three water treatment facilities on the island. Regular tests are carried out by the Department of Water Supply, and you can even check out the Water Quality Results.
The results will tell you about the source of the water, any detected contaminants or elements, and ensure that the drinking water meets the drinking water standards.
What Is Added To The Tap Water On Maui?
Chlorine is added to the drinking water on Maui to act as a disinfectant that kills any harmful bacteria. However, the levels of harmful bacteria are fairly low and adhere to state and federal standards.
Also, know that there is no fluoride added to the water which might affect some people’s dental hygiene.
Remember, Hawaii is a part of the U.S., so the islands follow strict water treatment regulations as do all other states.
What Type Of Water Is On Maui?
Makawao, Pukalani, Lower Kula, and Upper Kula all have soft water while the groundwater on other parts of the island is harder. Many visitors comment on how Maui’s water tastes like minerals.
The pH levels of the water vary depending on what district you’re in.
However, on average, the pH level can range from 7.2 to 9.1, with water in Makawao being slightly more acidic compared to water in Kula.
You can buy bottled water in Hawaii if you’re skeptical about drinking the tap water. But many of the water bottle manufacturers use water that comes from the same aquifers as tap water, so you’d be spending money on something you could have for free.
What Does Maui Drinking Water Taste Like?
Many visitors comment on how tap water on Maui tastes like minerals. However, your own tastes will vary, depending on where you’re from and the kind of water you’re used to drinking.
If you don’t particularly like the taste of chlorinated water, then you should put your water in a container and sit that container in the refrigerator overnight. The water should taste less like chlorine in the morning. Or, you might want to filter water through a Brita filter.
The taste and odor of Maui drinking water may change slightly sometimes. There are different minerals found in minute quantities in the aquifers which alter the taste.
Your water may taste differently if the place you are staying has older or newer pipelines installed. Also, during hot temperatures and heavy storms, the taste of water may change slightly, but it doesn’t affect the safety of the water unless the Water Supply agency issues a statement saying so.
Is There Any Hawaiian Island Where Tap Water Isn’t Safe?
For the most part, Hawaii tap water is completely safe to drink.
The state prides itself on the taste of its tap water, as it comes from rainwater that’s been naturally filtered through underground volcanic rock before it reaches the aquifers.
However, there could be a few extremely remote places in Hawaii where the tap water is not safe to drink, such as Niihau (westernmost main island) and Kahoolawe (unpopulated island) however, residents or business owners will be able to advise you of what you should do when visiting.
