WATER, SANITATION & HYGIENE RESOURCES HUB

WAI's Water Quality Portal → Explore Hawaiʻi specific water quality resources and data, maps, studies, and real-time monitoring tools. Learn more about local pollution issues like cesspools and stormwater, and take action by reporting waterborne illnesses or reducing your impact.

​How’s My Waterway (EPA) → Quickly check the condition of local water bodies based on environmental data submitted by agencies across the country.

​Clean Water Branch Water Quality Advisories → View real-time water advisories from Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health about beach closures and other water safety notices.

​Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force → See localized water testing results for popular swimming and surfing spots across the islands.

Board of Water Supply Water Quality Report → Check out reports that identify the source that supplies water to your address. View detected contaminants or elements in the water. Learn about the treatment process used to make your water safe to drink.​

​Hui O Ka Wai Ola (Maui) & Hawaiʻi Wai Ola (Hawaiʻi Island) → Check out community-driven water quality monitoring projects, explore their data dashboards and learn how you can get involved.

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Water Topics
  Includes Clean Water Act, NPDES, groundwater protection, and watershed information.

• EPA - Hawaii Water Quality
  Regional page with info tailored to Hawaiʻi, including water quality programs and funding.

• USGS – Pacific Islands Water Science Center
  Research on groundwater, streamflow, and water quality monitoring across the islands.

1. Hawaiʻi State Department of Health – Clean Water Branch (CWB)
   Permits, water quality monitoring, polluted runoff control, and beach advisories.

2. Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) – Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)
   Focuses on marine water quality, invasive species, and aquatic habitat protection.

3. Hawaiʻi DOH – Safe Drinking Water Branch
   Oversight of public water systems and drinking water quality.

Hawai'i's drinking water comes from a variety of sources, including aquifers, surface water, and rainwater collection systems. The state relies heavily on groundwater, with aquifers being the primary source of drinking water for residents and businesses. The water is naturally filtered through volcanic rock, which helps to provide clean, fresh water.

• Hawai'i Department of Health - Safe Drinking Water Program

• Hawaiian Aquifers: Protecting the Island’s Water Supply

The Department of Health (DOH) monitors the quality of drinking water across the islands to ensure it meets safety standards. Regular testing is done to detect contaminants such as bacteria, lead, and chemicals. Reports are available for residents to check the quality of their local water supply.

• Board of Water Supply - Water Quality Reports​ ​identifying the source that supplies water to your address. View detected contaminants or elements in the water. Learn about the treatment process used to make your water safe to drink.

• EPA: Drinking Water Standards and Regulations

Hawai'i faces unique challenges when it comes to water availability due to its geographic location and growing population. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of drinking water supplies. Simple practices like reducing water waste, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances can make a significant difference.

• Hawai'i Water Conservation Tips

• EPA: Water Conservation Tips

Rainwater catchment systems are becoming increasingly popular in Hawai'i as an alternative source of drinking water. These systems collect rainwater from roofs, filter it, and store it for use in households and businesses. It's important to properly maintain these systems to ensure the water is safe to drink.

• Hawai'i Department of Health - Rainwater Catchment System Guidelines

• Rainwater Catchment Systems in Hawai'i

​DOH Cesspool Hazard Assessment Tool → A detailed report and interactive mapping tool showing priority areas for cesspool replacement based on health and environmental risk.

EPA Decentralized Wastewater Technology Fact Sheets → A library of fact sheets that explain decentralized wastewater

​EPA SepticSmart Homeowner Resources → Learn how to care for your septic system with maintenance tips and homeowner-friendly guides.

Potty Portal: Homeowner Cesspool Conversion Guide → This page provides a step-by-step guide for homeowners in Hawaiʻi looking to convert their cesspools or install an Individual Wastewater System (IWS).

EPA Cesspools in Hawaiʻi → Explore health and environmental concerns associated with cesspools, EPA regulations and closure requirements.

EPA Wastewater Workforce Resources → features information about the current shortage of qualified workers in the decentralized wastewater sector and the efforts being made to address this issue through the issuance of three reports by the EPA. These reports focus on understanding career pathways, job clusters, education, training programs, and the development of a sustainable workforce in the decentralized wastewater industry.

NOWRA O&M and Installation Resources → Operation, maintenance, and installation tools for decentralized wastewater professionals and businesses.

DOH WWB Homepage → serves as the central gateway to the Department of Health Wastewater Branch, offering a comprehensive introduction to its mission and services. It efficiently guides users through the site’s resources, regulatory information, and tools while encouraging engagement with relevant content, programs, and updates related to wastewater management in Hawaii.

Cesspools 101 → This is a great resources for learning about cesspools and how to maintain them within a Hawaii context.