Whether you drink right out of the tap or spend hundreds of dollars a year on bottled drinking water, chances are you’ve wondered if your home has good or bad water.

Compared to many places in the country, Hawaii does have really good water. An analysis of Environmental Protection Agency data shows water systems in Hawaii rarely violate federal standards, and the bulk of the violations are for failing to meet reporting requirements, not for exceeding legal contaminant levels.

But those federal contaminant levels haven’t been updated in almost half a century. And in Hawaii, nitrates, hexavalent chromium, arsenic and other contaminants have been found in quantities that exceed health guidelines.

Civil Beat’s environmental podcast “Are We Doomed? And Other Burning Environmental Questions” is working on a project about water quality and is sending drinking water test kits to households across Hawaii.

If you’re concerned about the safety of your tap water, or just curious about what’s in your pipes, fill out the form below. Our goal is to reach as many residents as possible so please share with family and friends on other islands.

The application window will close on Dec. 30.

By completing the form you agree to share your test results with Civil Beat and to be interviewed for the “Are We Doomed?” podcast.


“Are We Doomed? And Other Burning Environmental Questions” is funded in part by grants from the Environmental Funders Group of the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Frost Family Foundation.

Want to hear more? Check out Civil Beat's other podcasts.

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