Hawaii Water Quality Report 2026

4 cities484,879 residentsUpdated March 2026

A85/100State Average
Hawaii has 4 cities in our database, serving approximately 484,879 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Honolulu has the cleanest water (85/100) while Honolulu scores lowest (85/100) due to lower overall score.
Is Hawaii Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

Hawaii tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 4 water systems serving 484,879 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the national average.

  • No major contaminant flags across Hawaii cities. All cities meet EPA federal drinking water standards.
Our Recommendation

Hawaii water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 4 cities in Hawaii meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Hawaii at a Glance
85Avg Purity Score
2.8Avg Hardness (GPG)
Soft
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
1.2Avg Lead (ppb)
118Avg TDS (ppm)

Hawaii is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 3.5 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Hawaii
Consistent Quality

All 4 cities score similarly

85/100
Score Distribution

How Hawaii's 4 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
4 cities
Good (70–84)
0 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in Hawaii — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.





CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Honolulu351K 85/1003.5 GPG
Pearl City48K 85/1003.2 GPG
Hilo46K 85/1001.8 GPG
Kailua41K 85/1002.8 GPG
Hard Water in Hawaii

Hawaii generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 2.8 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in Hawaii Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Hawaii cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in Hawaii Water

All Hawaii cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 1.2 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in Hawaii

Where Hawaii gets its drinking water, based on 4 water systems.



Source TypeCities% of Total
Mixed (Ground + Surface)250%
Groundwater250%
Recommended Filter for Hawaii

Hawaii water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All Hawaii Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Honolulu351K 85/1003.5 GPG (Soft)1.5 ppb✅ No150 ppm
2Pearl City48K 85/1003.2 GPG (Soft)1.2 ppb✅ No140 ppm
3Hilo46K 85/1001.8 GPG (Soft)1.0 ppb✅ No55 ppm
4Kailua41K 85/1002.8 GPG (Soft)1.2 ppb✅ No125 ppm
Water Utilities in Hawaii

Hawaii has 2 utilities. Major: Honolulu Board of Water Supply, County of Hawaii Department of Water Supply.

Sources: Groundwater and surface water, Groundwater, Surface water and groundwater.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Hawaii?
Honolulu scores highest at 85/100. Source: Groundwater and surface water.
Which city has the worst water in Hawaii?
Honolulu scores lowest at 85/100 due to lower overall score.
Is Hawaii water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 2.8 GPG (Soft). 3.5 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 4 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Hawaii water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Hawaii cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in Hawaii?
Hawaii water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does Hawaii water compare to the US average?
Score: 85.0/100 (7.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 2.8 GPG (3.5 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does Hawaii get its drinking water?Where does Hawaii get its drinking water?
Hawaii water comes from: Mixed (Ground + Surface): 2 cities (50%), Groundwater: 2 cities (50%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

All Hawaii Cities with Water Reports

4 city water quality reports available for Hawaii.

4 Reports
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Showing all 4 cities
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