Trace levels of selenium in Maui water were detected for the first time in samples from Maui County’s Wailuku water system, according to state health officials.
Selenium in Maui water found below health limits
County and state agencies said routine sampling on May 27, with follow-up testing on June 18, identified selenium in wells serving Maalaea, Kihei, Wailea and Makena. The Hawaii Department of Health said the measured concentrations are unlikely to pose a public health risk.
Maui County reported selenium levels ranging from 2.4 to 6.5 micrograms per liter. Those values are below the 50 micrograms per liter maximum contaminant level set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Health.
The Maui Department of Water Supply notified DOH of the initial detection on Aug. 3 by phone and email, as required by state law. The department said it will continue monitoring the Wailuku water system to ensure ongoing compliance with federal and state drinking water standards.
“Our team of water professionals continues to monitor, maintain and care for our water system,” said Department of Water Supply Director John Stufflebean in a county release. “Through routine testing, we can detect even very small amounts of elements in our water system and ensure we continue providing safe, reliable water to our community.”
What is selenium?
DOH said selenium is a naturally occurring mineral found in most rocks and soils. Its presence in drinking water can result from the erosion of natural mineral deposits.
According to DOH, the Maui Department of Water Supply remains in compliance with federal and state selenium standards for drinking water. For more information, the department can be reached at 808-270-7550.
More information about statewide oversight of drinking water is available from the Hawaii Department of Health, which regulates public water systems. The county’s water service updates and notices can be found through the Maui Department of Water Supply.
Recent Maui public safety incidents, including the Maui pool riot arrests, have also drawn attention to how local agencies communicate with residents during emerging situations.
