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Trace Selenium Found in Makawao Water System
18 Jul
Summary
- Selenium was detected for the first time in Maui's Makawao water system.
- Detected selenium levels were well below the maximum contaminant level.
- The amount of selenium found is extremely small, posing no public health risk.
Trace levels of selenium have been detected for the first time in the Makawao water system on Maui. These findings emerged from routine water quality testing conducted on May 29. Follow-up testing on June 19 confirmed selenium concentrations between 3.7 and 4.9 micrograms per liter.
These detected levels are substantially lower than the federal maximum contaminant level for selenium, which is set at 50 micrograms per liter. Officials emphasized that the detected amount is minimal, described as approximately four parts per billion.
The Hawaii Department of Health has been notified and stated that the findings are unlikely to present a public health risk. Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil, which can enter water sources through natural erosion.
The Department of Water Supply plans to continue its monitoring of the Makawao water system to ensure ongoing compliance with state and federal drinking water standards.
