Kamuela, HI Water Safety: 71/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Kamuela have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in HI reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Kamuela Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kamuela Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0107 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 28% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.35 — above typical levels.
Kamuela's Water Providers
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Kamuela, HI's residential water connections out of 5 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kamuela, Hawaii (population ~13,326), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 22,857 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kamuela — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kamuela: B (71/100)
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
Kamuela water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0107 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96743 | B | Kohala Ranch Water Company | 850 |
All ZIP Codes in Kamuela
- 96743 [B]
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.
Kamuela Community Health Snapshot
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
Kamuela Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Although a small portion of Kamuela's homes predate 1986, the median build year of 1994 indicates the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed after lead solder was banned — which tends to reduce the plumbing-related component of lead exposure at the household level.
Most homes in Kamuela were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kamuela
Given current Kamuela valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Kamuela are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 0% above the Hawaii average.
Kamuela: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
In Kamuela, the older-stock footprint runs at 28% — a contained slice — and aggregate utility readings land safely under the EPA action mark. That keeps lead off the local priority list, with a one-faucet draw remaining the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Kamuela: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Kamuela falls in moderate-exposure territory — 63 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Kamuela has a moderate flood history with 63 FEMA claims averaging $18,396 per payout. 100% 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 Kamuela, HI