Nitrite in Hawaii Drinking Water
Hawaii has 237 public water systems. 176 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
237
With Violations
176
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
1.5M
Nitrite in Hawaii: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
237
Systems with Violations
176
Lead Violations
6
Copper Violations
16
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Hawaii
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| KALUAKOI | 700 | 410 |
| MAKAWAO | 30K | 304 |
| HONOKOHAU | 42 | 285 |
| SOUTH KOHALA | 10K | 283 |
| WAIAWA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | 444 | 281 |
| MILILANI MEMORIAL PARK | 100 | 278 |
| UPPER KULA | 8K | 256 |
| LAHAINA | 20K | 243 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in Hawaii water?
Hawaii has 237 public water systems. 176 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Hawaii water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants