Wildfires can cause drinking water contamination through the breakdown of plastics in the water system from intense heat. Contaminants can also leach into the water from gasoline, paints, household and industrial waste, burned electrical units and other sources that find their way into pipes when structures burn.
Key compounds of concern in post-wildfire area drinking water are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi- volatile organic compounds. (sVOCs). UH Maui College (UHMC) and UH Manoa Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) are partnering to provide non-regulatory drinking water testing in Maui. UHMC and WRRC are collaborating with the Department of Water Supply and assisting their efforts to test the water. The Department of Water Supply (DWS) is conducting regulatory testing to ensure the system is safe, but that process takes time. We appreciate your patience as we work together to serve our community.
Disclaimer: The testing conducted by UHMC and the WRRC is intended for informational purposes and does not guarantee the safety of the water for consumption. It serves to provide community members with relevant information.
