Hilo, HI: 4 Violations — 78/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current tracking cycles, Hilo records above-average water quality outcomes for HI; compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards and no systemic failures across its water systems.
How Hilo Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hilo Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.35 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Hilo
Water delivery in Hilo, HI is handled by 3 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 6 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Hilo, Hawaii (population ~50,971), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 93,852 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hilo: B (78/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Hilo water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hilo
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
All ZIP Codes in Hilo
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Hilo
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Hilo
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Hilo: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Hilo, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Hilo are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% below the Hawaii average.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Hilo
Flood risk in Hilo occupies the middle ground: 214 NFIP claims and 50% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Hilo has a moderate flood history with 214 FEMA claims averaging $15,618 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hilo, HI