Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Department of Water Supply detected trace amounts of selenium in the Kaunakakai water system on Molokaʻi during routine testing. Confirmed levels are well below federal and state safety thresholds, and officials say the water poses no public health risk. The county is coordinating with the Hawaii Department of Health and will continue monitoring the system.
- Selenium was first detected in water samples collected July 15, 2026, from the Kaunakakai water system serving Molokaʻi
- Follow-up testing on Aug. 11 confirmed selenium levels of 2.3–2.4 micrograms per liter — far below the EPA and Hawaii DOH drinking water standard of 50 micrograms per liter
- Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral that can enter drinking water through erosion of soil and rock deposits
- DWS Director John Stufflebean stated levels are very low and the system will continue to be monitored
- DWS notified the Hawaii DOH by phone and email on Aug. 19, as required whenever selenium is detected in a public water system (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
- State health officials said the detected levels are unlikely to pose a public health risk (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)
Sources
- Maui County: Trace levels of selenium detected in Kaunakakai water system
- Honolulu Star-Advertiser: Trace levels of selenium detected in Kaunakakai water system
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