PUNAHOU SCHOOL Lead Service Line Inventory

What you need to know

PUNAHOU SCHOOL is a public water system serving approximately 4,000 people in Hawaii. Like all water systems nationwide, it is required by federal law to identify and report on lead service lines—the pipes that may carry water from the main water line under the street to your building.

Current inventory status: PUNAHOU SCHOOL has not yet completed a full lead service line inventory. This means the system is still in the process of identifying which service lines contain lead, are galvanized (which may contain lead), or are confirmed lead-free.

Why this matters

Lead service lines are a direct path for lead to enter drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect children's development and learning. If your home is served by this water system and was built in the mid-20th century or earlier, there is a meaningful chance your service line contains lead.

What the water system is doing

Federal law requires all water systems to complete lead service line inventories and submit them to their state environmental agency. PUNAHOU SCHOOL is working to meet this requirement. The timeline and specific funding available for this work have not yet been finalized.

To find out the current status of the inventory and what the school system's timeline is, contact the utility directly.

What you can do now

You don't have to wait for a complete inventory to protect your family:

• Test your water. A simple lead test costs $20–50 and takes a few days. Contact your local health department or a certified lab.
• Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster than cold water.
• Flush your lines. Run cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, especially if water has sat in pipes overnight.
• Consider a filter. NSF-certified filters labeled for lead reduction work if maintained correctly.

If a test shows lead above 15 ppb (parts per billion—the federal action level), contact your water utility and your doctor or pediatrician.

Next steps for residents

• Contact PUNAHOU SCHOOL's water department to ask about the lead service line inventory timeline and results in your area.
• Request a free or low-cost water test through your county health department.
• If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss water testing with your pediatrician or OB-GYN.
• Visit the EPA's lead page for more details on protecting your household.

```json [ { "q": "Does PUNAHOU SCHOOL water contain lead?", "a": "PUNAHOU SCHOOL is still completing its lead service line inventory, so a complete picture isn't available yet. Whether your water contains lead depends on whether your building's service line—the pipe connecting your property to the main—is made of lead or galvanized material. Testing your water is the fastest way to know." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "You can contact PUNAHOU SCHOOL to ask about your property's service line material, or check with your city/county records. A water test will show whether lead is actually present in your water. Your utility or local health department can arrange testing." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Contact your water utility to report the result and ask about their recommendations. If you have young children, are pregnant, or have other health concerns, call your doctor or pediatrician. The EPA and CDC have guidance on reducing exposure while you investigate the source." }, { "q": "How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Replacement costs vary widely