HIGH LEVELS OF LEAD FOUND IN WATER AT KOKE'E STATE PARK, STATE RESPONDS WITH TREATMENT PROCESS

Samples taken from three faucets within Koke'e and Waimea Canyon State Parks, Kaua'i, have been found to have lead content that exceeds the safe drinking water levels for lead established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The water samples exceed the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb), or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water (mg/1). Federal law and State Department of Health rules and regulations require that the Koke'e State Park Water System have a program in place to minimize lead in the two parks' drinking water by May 15, 2001. This program includes a public education and optimum corrosion control treatment recommendation which was recently prepared.

Lead can pose a significant risk to public health, particularly to children and pregnant women. In order to mitigate the situation at Koke'e, the Division of State Parks will use an orthophosphate treatment and soda ash will be added to raise pH levels in the water to approximately 7.1. The orthophosphate and soda ash treatment will occur at both Noe Well and Well A. Under orders from the State Department of Health, the Koke'e State Park must complete implementation of the optimum corrosion control treatment recommendation by February 15, 2003.

In concurrence with regulations set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, here is information from the EPA for Koke'e and Waimea Canyon State Parks visitors concerning lead levels in water: "Why should everyone want to know the facts about lead and drinking water? Because unhealthy amounts of lead can enter drinking water through the plumbing in your home. That's why you are urged to have your water tested for $28 per sample. You can contact the Koke'e State Park Water System for information on testing and on simple ways to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water. To have your water tested for lead, or to get more information about this public health concern, please call (808) 274-3446."

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