Chemical substance detected in sample at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park water system

Low levels of a chemical substance have been detected in a water sample collected from the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park water system.

The chemical detected is 1-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzene (PCBTF) within the Volcano Catchment Chlorinator, which is owned by the U.S. Department of the Interior. PCBTF is an industrial solvent that is currently not regulated in drinking water, meaning there is no established federal or state maximum contaminant level or state environmental action level.

PCBTF was detected at a concentration of 2.57 micrograms per liter (μg/L) in a sample collected on April 8, according to a press release from Hawai‘i State Department of Health. The water system formally notified the Hawaiʻi Department of Health of the PCBTF detection in an email dated May 23, 2025.

While toxicity data for drinking water exposure is limited, current information does not suggest an acute health risk at the level detected. The water system continues to meet all federal and state standards for safe drinking water.

Impacted users may contact the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park water system for more information.