The pH balance of the drinking water served by the Board of Water Supply (BWS) in Honolulu, Hawaii, naturally occurs in the 7 to 8 range, meaning the water is neither acidic nor basic. The BWS conducts tests at the tap only when specific water complaints are received from customers, and the Honolulu-Windward-Pearl Harbor water system complies with health-based drinking water standards, though some contaminants are above health guidelines.
Understanding the pH of Honolulu’s Tap Water
The pH of water is a measure of its acidity or basicity, with a scale ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 are acidic and values above 7 are basic or alkaline. The pH of Honolulu’s tap water falls within the 7 to 8 range, indicating that it is slightly basic.
This natural pH balance is due to the composition of the water sources used by the BWS. Honolulu’s water primarily comes from groundwater sources, which tend to have a higher pH due to the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium. The BWS does not add any chemicals to adjust the pH of the water before it is delivered to customers.
Testing and Monitoring the pH of Honolulu’s Tap Water
Image source: OpenStax College
The BWS regularly monitors the pH of the water throughout its distribution system to ensure it remains within the acceptable range. However, the BWS only conducts tests at the tap when specific water quality complaints are received from customers, such as issues with taste, discoloration, odor, or the presence of particulate matter.
If customers are interested in knowing the exact pH of their tap water, they can contact a private laboratory to have a sample analyzed. This can be particularly useful for those with specific water quality concerns or who are using the water for sensitive applications, such as aquarium maintenance or certain industrial processes.
Contaminants in Honolulu’s Tap Water
While the Honolulu-Windward-Pearl Harbor water system generally complies with health-based drinking water standards, the EWG Tap Water Database has identified several contaminants that are present at levels above health guidelines. These include:
| Contaminant | Health Guideline |
|---|---|
| 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 0.0007 ppb |
| Arsenic | 0.004 ppb |
| Bromoform | 0.1 ppb |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | 0.02 ppb |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA9) | 0.07 ppb |
| Nitrate | 10 ppm |
| Nitrate & nitrite | 10 ppm |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 0.08 ppb |
It’s important to note that the presence of these contaminants does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe to drink, as the levels are still within the legal limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, some individuals may be more sensitive to these contaminants or prefer to take additional precautions.
Addressing Water Quality Concerns
If customers experience any issues with the taste, odor, or appearance of their tap water, the BWS recommends flushing out the property lines to address discoloration. If the problem persists or customers notice a strong chlorine smell or taste, they should contact the BWS Microbiological Laboratory at (808) 748-5850 for further assistance.
For those looking to filter their tap water, the EWG’s drinking water quality report provides recommendations on countertop water filters that can effectively remove some of the contaminants found in Honolulu’s water supply.
Conclusion
The pH of Honolulu’s tap water naturally falls within the 7 to 8 range, indicating a slightly basic balance. While the water system generally complies with health-based standards, there are some contaminants present at levels above health guidelines. Customers with specific water quality concerns can contact the BWS or a private laboratory for further testing and guidance on addressing any issues.
References:
– EWG Tap Water Database – Honolulu-Windward-Pearl Harbor
– Board of Water Supply – Frequently Asked Questions
– Board of Water Supply – Water Quality Report
– Reddit Discussion – Is the Water in Honolulu Hard or Soft?
– Epic Water Filters – Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii Water Quality Report