Lead Service Lines in Pahoa, HI
Pahoa is served by two water systems: Hawaiian Beaches (serving about 3,546 people) and Hawaiian Shores (serving about 1,360 people). Together, they deliver water to all 4,906 residents in the area.
What we know about lead service lines in Pahoa
Currently, there is no confirmed data on lead service lines in Pahoa's water systems. Neither Hawaiian Beaches nor Hawaiian Shores has publicly reported the presence of lead service lines, galvanized service lines, or pipes of unknown material in their inventories.
This does not mean there are no lead pipes—it means the utilities have not yet completed or released detailed inventories. The EPA requires all water systems to locate and identify lead service lines by October 2024. If your utility has not shared this information, they may still be conducting surveys or preparing their findings.
Why this matters for your home
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in residential drinking water. A lead service line connects your home to the water main under the street. If you have one, water sitting in your pipes overnight or during periods of low use can accumulate lead, especially in homes with young children or pregnant people.
The best way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact your water utility directly. They should have records of your property, or they can send someone to inspect the pipe where it enters your house.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility (Hawaiian Beaches or Hawaiian Shores, depending on where you live) and ask if your service line is lead, galvanized steel, or copper.
- Request a free water test if available through your utility or county health department.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking while you investigate—hot water can leach more lead from pipes.
- Let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, especially if the water has sat unused for several hours.