1,2,3-Trichloropropane not detected in follow-up testing of ‘Ōla‘a-Mountain View Water System

The Department of Water Supply, County of Hawai‘i, reports that 1,2,3-Trichloropropane – also known as TCP – was not detected during recent follow-up testing of the ‘Ōla‘a-Mountain View Water System.

Earlier this month, the Hawai‘i Department of Health reported that trace levels of TCP were isolated to the ‘Ōla‘a booster station No. 3 hose bibb or spigot, which is located on Department of Water Supply property and not accessible by the public. The concentrations were 0.05 parts per billion to 0.07 parts per billion, well below the DOH’s maximum contaminant level of 0.6 parts per billion. There is no federal standard for TCP levels in municipal drinking water.

TCP, a manmade chemical previously used during the plantation era, was not detected in any of the water sources that supply the ‘Ōla‘a-Mountain View Water System.

Per standard testing and safety protocols, the Department of Water Supply replaced the original hose bibb with a new one and collected the follow-up test sample to determine the source of the contaminant.  That test result, received on Sept. 18, reported no detection of TCP.  This data assures the Department of Water Supply that the previous detections could be attributed to the old hose bibb and not Department of Water Supply water sources or systems. 

Thus, Department of Water Supply water remains safe to drink.

Water-quality reports, conservation tips, and other helpful information can be found on the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org.