Multiple outlets including Maui County, Maui Now, Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and KITV reported that trace levels of selenium were detected for the first time in the Makawao water system during routine testing. Officials from the Department of Water Supply and Hawaii Department of Health confirm the levels pose no health risk and are well below federal and state standards.
- Selenium was first detected in a routine water quality sample collected May 29, 2026, with follow-up testing on June 19 confirming levels of 3.7–4.9 micrograms per liter.
- The EPA and Hawaii DOH maximum contaminant level for selenium in drinking water is 50 micrograms per liter — the detected levels are roughly 10x below that threshold.
- DWS Director John Stufflebean described the amount as ‘about four parts per billion, or roughly four drops in 1 billion drops of water.’
- Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral that can enter water supplies through erosion of mineral deposits in soil and rock.
- DWS is required by state law to notify the Hawaii Department of Health whenever selenium is detected for the first time in a public water system.
- Hawaii DOH officials stated the detected levels are unlikely to pose a public health risk. (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
- DWS and DOH will continue monitoring the Makawao system to maintain compliance with all federal and state drinking water standards.
Sources
- Maui County: Trace levels of selenium detected in Makawao water system
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Trace levels of selenium in Maui water not a health risk, officials say
- Maui Now: Trace levels of selenium detected in Makawao water system
- KITV: ‘Extremely small’ level of selenium detected in Makawao water system
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