Lead Service Lines in South Kohala

South Kohala Water System serves approximately 9,612 people on Hawaii's Big Island. Like water systems across the country, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to homes.

What we know about South Kohala's lead pipes

South Kohala has not yet completed a public inventory of its lead service lines. This means the utility hasn't released a count of how many homes are served by lead pipes, how many are lead-free, or how many are still unknown.

Without an inventory, you won't find official data here about your specific address. However, this doesn't mean there's no lead in the system—it means the data isn't public yet.

Why inventories matter

Federal law requires water systems to identify and map lead service lines. An inventory helps the utility plan replacements and tells residents which homes are at risk. It's the foundation for any lead reduction program.

What South Kohala residents should do now

Find out if your home has a lead service line:

• Contact South Kohala Water System directly and ask about your service line. Utilities often keep individual records even before publishing a full inventory.
• If you rent, contact your landlord or property manager.
• Ask specifically whether your connection is copper, galvanized steel, or unknown—lead pipes are dull gray and soft (you can sometimes scratch them with a coin).

Test your water if you're concerned:

• The EPA recommends testing if your home was built before 1986, you have lead pipes, or you're pregnant or have young children. A basic lead test costs $20–50 and takes a few days.
• Contact your county health department for approved testing labs.

Reduce exposure in the meantime:

• Run cold water for 30 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking each morning.
• Use cold water for cooking and drinking; hot water leaches lead faster.
• Clean aerators on faucets regularly.

Next steps for residents

• Call South Kohala Water System and ask about the lead service line inventory timeline and your home's status
• Request a water test through your county health department if your home was built before 1986
• Flush taps each morning and use cold water for drinking and cooking
• Monitor updates on this page or the utility's website for when the full inventory is released

Does South Kohala have lead in the water?

South Kohala has not yet published a public inventory of lead service lines, so we don't have official data on how many homes may be affected. Contact the utility directly to ask about your specific address and whether the system has completed its lead line survey.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call South Kohala Water System and ask about your service line. You can also look at the pipe where it enters your home—lead pipes are soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. If it was built before 1986, the risk is higher.

Is it safe to drink tap water from South Kohala?

South Kohala treats its water and monitors for safety. However, if your home has a lead service line, that pipe can contaminate water in your home. If you're concerned, get your water tested or use the steps below to reduce lead exposure.

What can I do right now about lead in my home's water?

Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before using it for drinking or cooking, use cold water for food prep, and clean faucet aerators regularly. For peace of mind, contact your county health department to arrange a water test.