HONOLULU — A news release by the Department of Health on Friday reports additional PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in water samples from the Waialua Sugar Pump 2 water system owned by OPU Waialua Corp. that serves roughly 500 individuals in the northwest area of Oahu.

This new finding is a result of a continuing investigation into the initial detection of PFAS in Nov. 2023, that found different derivatives of PFAS, according to the release.

Lab reports dated Nov. 27, 2023, and Feb. 6, 2024, confirmed additional PFAS (PFHxS and PFHxA) at the Waialua Sugar Pump 2 water system. DOH was informed of the initial detection of the two additional PFAS via an email on Feb. 26, 2024.

According to the release, “although there is no Maximum Contamination Level for PFHxS, the Hazard Index based on the PFHxS detection is 0.233, which is below the EPA’s proposed 1.0 compliance threshold.” There is currently no Hazard Index or Maximum Contamination Level for PFHxA.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances are fluorinated organic chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They are used in a wide range of products such as carpets, clothing, furniture fabrics, paper packaging for food and materials such as cookware that are designed to be waterproof, stain-resistant or non-stick. They are also found in fire-fighting foam and have many industrial uses.

The Hawaii DOH also provides information on PFAS.

The Maximum Contamination Level or MCL is set by the EPA and is the highest level of a contaminant allowed in drinking water.