Lead Service Lines in Kilauea

The Kilauea water system serves about 3,420 people in Hawaii. Like all US water systems, Kilauea is required by federal law to find and report on lead service lines—the underground pipes that may connect your home to the public water main.

What we know about Kilauea's lead service lines

Kilauea has not yet inventoried its lead service lines. This means the utility has not completed the federally required survey to identify which homes may have lead pipes. The inventory process can take time, especially for smaller water systems.

The lack of completed inventory data does not mean your water is safe or unsafe. It means the survey is still in progress or not yet started.

What is a lead service line?

A lead service line is a pipe made of lead (or lead-containing solder) that connects your home's plumbing to the public water main buried under the street. If your home was built or last renovated before 1950, there is a higher chance your service line contains lead. However, lead pipes can exist in homes of any age.

Lead can enter your drinking water if the pipe corrodes—especially if your water is acidic or soft. Infants, children, and pregnant people face the greatest health risks from lead in drinking water.

What you can do now

Request your service line status. Contact Kilauea directly and ask whether your address has been inventoried yet. Request any records they have about your service line material. If the utility completed any sampling or field inspection at your home, ask for those results.

Get your water tested. You do not need to wait for the utility's inventory. You can purchase a home water test kit or hire a certified lab to sample your tap water for lead. This is the most direct way to know if lead is present in your home right now.

Check your plumbing. If you have access to the water line where it enters your home (often in the basement or under the sink), look for dull gray metal or lead-colored pipes. Lead is soft and can be scratched with a coin. If you suspect lead, avoid disturbing the pipe—disturbance can increase lead in water.

Consult your pediatrician or local health department if you are concerned about lead exposure, especially if children live in or visit your home.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Kilauea water system to ask about your home's service line status and any sampling data they have.
• Order a home water test kit for lead (available online or through your local health department).
• If you rent, ask your landlord for records of the service line material and any lead testing.
• Talk to your pediatrician or call the CDC at 1-800-232-4636 if you have health questions about lead exposure.

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