LIHUE-KAPAA Water System: Lead Service Line Information
What you need to know
LIHUE-KAPAA serves about 34,854 people in Hawaii. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and inventory lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to homes.
Current inventory status: LIHUE-KAPAA has not yet completed its lead service line inventory. This means the utility has not yet published a count of how many lead or unknown lines exist in its service area.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are a significant source of lead in drinking water. When water sits in these old pipes—especially if it's acidic or has low mineral content—lead can leach into the water you drink and use for cooking. Even brief exposure can affect children's development.
The first step toward fixing the problem is knowing where the lines are. That's what an inventory does. Federal law required all water systems to complete their inventories by October 2024, though some systems have asked for extensions.
What LIHUE-KAPAA should be doing now
Your water system should be:
- Surveying records and conducting field work to identify which service lines contain lead or are made of galvanized steel (another concern material)
- Publishing their findings in a format the public can access
- Developing a plan to replace lead service lines, starting with areas that serve children and health-vulnerable populations
How to find out more
Contact LIHUE-KAPAA directly to ask for:
- A copy of their lead service line inventory (once completed)
- Whether your specific address has a lead or unknown service line
- Their timeline for replacements and any assistance programs
If you rent, your landlord is legally responsible for testing and fixing lead hazards inside your unit.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask if your service line has been identified as lead, galvanized, or unknown.
- Test your water if you're concerned—an inexpensive test can tell you if lead is present (contact your local health department for guidance).
- Use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF Standard 53) while awaiting line replacement if lead is detected.
- Flush your tap before drinking if water has sat unused for more than 6 hours, and use cold water for cooking and baby formula.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Contact LIHUE-KAPAA and ask them to check your address in their lead service line inventory. You can also dig up a small section of the line where it exits the ground and look at it—lead is soft and gray, and a magnet will not stick to it.
Is it safe to drink water from a lead service line?
It depends. Lead may or may not leach into your water based on chemistry, pipe age, and water sitting time. The only way to know is to test your water. If lead is detected, flush your tap, use a certified filter, and contact your utility about replacement.
Who pays to replace a lead service line?
Responsibility varies by state and utility. Many systems are using federal funding or utility programs to pay for replacement. Ask LIHUE-KAPAA about assistance programs or cost-sharing in your area.
What if LIHUE-KAPAA hasn't completed its inventory yet?
It is required to do so under federal law. Contact the utility to ask for their timeline, or reach out to Hawaii's Department of Health to report non-compliance.