Two weeks after the 2023 Maui wildfires: Drinking water experiences and needs

This report focuses on understanding community impacts and needs after the August 2023 Maui wildfires. A rapid survey-based field investigation was conducted two weeks after the incident. During the fires, municipal water customers were warned not to use their water due to potential drinking water contamination. Household displacement and isolation of some impacted areas limited extensive study participation. 14 households in the affected areas were visited and surveyed about property characteristics, evacuation, water use, and water quality observations. Publicly available test results from Maui County and University of Hawaiʻi were also reviewed.

Opportunistically, wildfire impacts to agricultural water systems were documented. Half of the households had property damage, and all lost power and used drinking water before being notified that it was potentially contaminated. Nearly all households expressed confusion about allowable water use activities and health risks. Most households noticed water issues after the evacuation order was lifted, and some acquired and used at-home drinking water test kits. None of these kits were capable of finding all previously identified fire-related chemicals. Damage to agricultural water systems was similar to that seen for residential systems. Finally, the report makes recommendations to lessen impacts and expedite community response and recovery.