Lead Service Lines in Kaunakakai
About this water system
Kaunakakai serves approximately 3,702 people in Hawaii. The utility draws water from groundwater sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, Kaunakakai has not completed a lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not yet documented which homes are connected to water mains via lead pipes—an important first step in understanding lead exposure risk in the community.
Federal law requires all water systems to complete this inventory by October 2024. If your system has not finished, you can contact them directly to ask for a timeline and whether they can tell you about your specific address.
What you should know
Lead service lines are a concern only if you have one. Most homes in most US water systems are safe. But if your home is connected to the water main with a lead pipe, water sitting in that pipe overnight or during periods of low use can accumulate lead, especially if the water is corrosive (soft or acidic).
You cannot see or taste lead. The only way to know if it's present is to test your water or to know whether your home has a lead service line.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Kaunakakai water utility directly and ask:
- Does my address have a lead service line? - When will the inventory be complete? - Can they provide any historical records about your home's water connection?
- Test your water if you're concerned. A simple test costs $20–$50 and tells you whether lead is present in your tap water right now. Contact your county health department for a list of certified labs.
- If you have a young child (under 6), are pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss water testing with your pediatrician or OB-GYN. The CDC has guidance on lead and children's health.
- Check for corrosion control. Ask the utility whether they treat water to prevent corrosion of pipes. This reduces the chance lead will leach into water.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Kaunakakai have lead in the water?
Unknown right now. The utility hasn't completed an inventory of lead service lines yet. Testing your own tap water is the best way to know if lead is reaching your home. Contact Kaunakakai water utility for more details on their inventory timeline.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Call Kaunakakai water utility and ask whether your address has a lead service line. If they can't tell you yet (inventory not done), you can also look at your home's age and location—lead lines were common in older homes built before the 1970s.
How much does it cost to test my water for lead?
Most labs charge $20–$50 for a basic lead test. Contact your county health department or check the EPA's lab finder to locate a certified lab near you.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Lead can affect children's brain development, especially under age 6. If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing your water and what steps to take.