Low levels of PFAS detected in water system for East Hawai‘i community

Low levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, were detected in water samples collected at the Kulaʻimano Well A of the Pepeʻekeo water system in East Hawai‘i.

The detection of PFAS at the Kulaʻimano Well A was confirmed by samples collected on Aug. 18 and Sept. 23. The Hawai‘i County’s Department of Water Supply formally notified the Hawaiʻi Department of Health of the initial detection of PFAS via email on Oct. 8.

The detections of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid, or PFOS, is one of the regulated PFAS, and are below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s maximum contaminant level and are unlikely to pose a public health risk.

The detections of PFOS ranged from 2.6 to 3.0 nanograms per liter (ng/L), which are below the EPA maximum contaminant level for PFOS of 4.0 ng/L.

According to the EPA, PFAS, which have been used since the 1940s, are fluorinated organic chemicals that have been used extensively in consumer products such as carpets, clothing, fabrics for furniture, paper packaging for food and other materials (e.g., cookware) designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or nonstick.

They are also a component of fire-fighting foam and have many industrial uses.

For more information on PFAS, see https://www.epa.gov/pfas or https://health.hawaii.gov/pfas. Users may also contact the Department of Water Supply.