Lead Service Lines in HILO, Hawaii
What you need to know
HILO serves about 39,477 people in Hawaii. Like most water systems across the US, HILO is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
Current status: HILO has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes may have lead pipes.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the most common source of lead in drinking water. If your home was built before 1980, or if you live in an older neighborhood, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Lead exposure can affect children's brain development and cause other health issues, even at low levels. The only way to know for sure is through testing or by checking your utility's inventory.
What HILO is doing
Water utilities are required under the Lead and Copper Rule to create and maintain inventories of all lead service lines. HILO is working to complete this process. Until the inventory is finished, you won't know from the utility's records whether your home has a lead service line.
What you can do right now
You don't have to wait for the inventory to protect your family. Testing your water is simple and inexpensive—many labs charge $20–30 for a lead test. You can also contact HILO directly to ask about your specific service line or get more information about their inventory progress.
If your test shows lead, or if you know your home has a lead service line, there are proven steps to reduce exposure: run water before use, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and consider a certified filter. A complete replacement of the service line is the permanent solution.
Next steps for residents
- Test your water — contact HILO for a list of approved labs or order a test kit online
- Call your utility — ask HILO about your home's service line status and when the full inventory will be complete
- Check your home's age — if built before 1980, lead service lines are more likely
- Learn more — visit the CDC's page on lead in drinking water for health and safety information
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does HILO have lead in the water?
HILO has not yet completed its lead service line inventory, so the full picture of lead risk in the system is still being determined. The presence of lead depends on whether your home's service line contains lead, not on the water source itself. Test your water to know your actual exposure.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
You can contact HILO directly to ask about your specific address. If the utility's inventory is incomplete, you can also have a plumber inspect your home or test your water. Homes built before 1980 are at higher risk.
Is it safe to drink HILO's water?
HILO treats its water to meet federal safety standards. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can still enter your water as it travels through older pipes. Testing your water is the best way to know your actual risk.
When will HILO finish its lead service line inventory?
Contact HILO directly for a timeline on their inventory completion. Federal law requires utilities to identify and track lead service lines, though timelines vary by system.