DRAFT Navy Water mainpage
DOH continues its emergency response to remediate contamination in the Navy water system, ensure that affected families can return to their homes, and restore the aquifer.
CURRENT ADVISORY: DOH recommends all Navy water system users should avoid using the water for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets. Navy water system users who detect a fuel-like odor from their water should also avoid using the water for bathing, dishwashing or laundry.
Latest News Releases:
January 11, 2022 | DOH/CDC Health survey expanded to include all Navy Water System users
January 3, 2022 | DOH Upholds Hearings Officer’s Recommendation on Red Hill Emergency Order
Go here for more news releases about the Navy Water System.
Drinking Water Amendments
After fuel has been removed from water systems, tests that do not detect petroleum product will be listed here. Look here for announcements detailing which water systems are safe to use.
Emergency Order
The Emergency Order No. 21-UST-EA-02 and supporting documents from the Hawai‘i Department of Health, Navy, Sierra Club and Honolulu Board of Water Supply and other parties can be found here.
Emergency Order
Water Testing
The Hawaii Department of Health continues to respond to water system complaints and the results of water samples can be found here.
Tests
Summary of Results
By December 9, 2021, there were 10 sites with oil detected in the water, their location can be found on the map [(link to map)]. Check your site location carefully as samples from the same street have been shown to have varied results.
Plans
The U.S. Navy and Army, Environmental Protection Agency, State of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Department of Health came together to plan the recovery of fuel-affected water systems. Learn the requirements and how to flush water systems safely and review plans for water systems.
Plans
What You Can Do
Affected Hawai‘i residents should use these resources to respond and reduce further impact of the water contamination.
What You Can Do
Frequently Asked Questions
| How do I know if I am on the Navy water system? |
You can find your water system on your water bill. If you find your address listed on the Honolulu Board of Water Supply water quality data site, you’re on the BWS system and your water is not affected. |
| How do I report fuel-like odors in my water? |
Contact DOH’s Safe Water Drinking Branch at (808) 586-4258 or SDWB@doh.hawaii.gov. The Navy has also set up several reporting lines. Navy water system users can call: (808) 449-1979 (808) 448-3262 (808) 448-2557 (808) 448-2570 (808) 448-2583 |
| What are the symptoms of petroleum exposure? |
Health effects from exposure to petroleum in the drinking water will depend on the amount, how you were exposed and for how long, as well as other personal traits. People who are exposed to petroleum through ingestion (swallowing) may experience stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Lightheadedness, headache and difficulty concentrating are also possible. Exposure of petroleum products to the skin such as through bathing may cause irritation, redness or peeling of the skin. Breathing the vapors from petroleum products (inhalational exposure) at high enough concentrations can cause respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing and a pneumonia like syndrome. If you develop respiratory problems or any other severe symptoms after exposure to petroleum contaminated water, please seek medical evaluation. |
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I have small children/infants – is there anything special I need to do for their safety? |
Because of their size, physiology and developing body organs and systems, children are at higher risk for health effects from environmental toxins. DOH recommends extra care be taken to ensure that children do not drink or use contaminated water. |
| I am pregnant – should I be more concerned than others? |
In general, exposures to petroleum hydrocarbons are not known to have specific impacts on pregnant women, their pregnancies or their babies and potential health effects for pregnant women are expected to be the same as the general population. However, because the exact contaminant is still unknown and it is important for pregnant women to be as healthy as possible during their pregnancy, we encourage pregnant women to follow the recommendations of not using the water. |