KULA, Hawaii — Customers in the Upper Kula area may notice less of a chlorine odor or taste in their water after the Dept. of Water Supply switches its water distribution disinfectant back to chloramines from chlorine effective March 15, according to a Maui County news release.

What You Need To Know

  • The Dept. of Water Supply will switch its water distribution disinfectant back to chloramines from chlorine effective March 15

  • Chloramines is a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, and has been used since 1985 as a disinfectant in the Upper Kula water system

  • For kidney dialysis patients, the processes already in place to remove chlorine will remove chloramines, but patients are advised to consult the machine manufacturer for instructions on how to properly treat water before use and contact your medical professional for more information

  • Chloramines, like chlorine, are toxic to fish, and must be removed by using a dechlorinating agent if the water is intended for fish tanks or aquariums; consult your pet store for information

Trace amounts of E. coli had been found in the Upper Kula water system on Jan. 10. That’s when the department temporarily changed its disinfectant from chloramines to chlorine. 

After several consecutive days of negative water samples taken earlier this month confirmed that tap water met public health standards, the boil water advisory was lifted for all areas of Upcountry Maui on Feb. 10.

Chloramines is a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, and has been used since 1985 as a disinfectant in the Upper Kula water system.

A note from the department regarding kidney dialysis patients states that the processes already in place to remove chlorine will remove chloramines. Home dialysis users are asked to consult the machine manufacturer for instructions on how to properly treat water before use. Contact your respective medical professional for additional information.

Chloramines, like chlorine, are toxic to fish, and must be removed by individuals intending to use the water for fish tanks or aquariums. Chlorine rapidly disappears on its own, but it’s not the case with chloramines. Most pet stores sell dechlorinating agents. Chemicals used to remove chlorine should work for chloramines and pet stores generally recommend its use. Consult your pet store for more information.

For questions regarding water quality, call the DWS Laboratory, 808-270-7550, or visit the Dept. of Water Supply website.

To contact the Dept. of Water Supply, call Adam Mundy, 808-270-8046, during regular business hours. For water service problems, the Water Supply service line is available 24/7, 808-270-7633.

For health concerns, contact the Maui District Office of the Hawaii Department of Health, 808-984-8200.

Help kids learn about water and water conservation through a printable activity book created by The City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply.