Less than two weeks after the August 8th fire, WRRC launched the Maui Post-Fire Community Drinking-Water Information Hub. Chris Shuler, a hydrologist with WRRC; Andrew Whelton, a fire disaster specialist from Purdue University; and UH graduate students mobilized to address the need to keep the public informed.
To test the drinking water for contaminants in the affected areas, an outreach program was created through the volunteer efforts of concerned UH faculty and students. Working in collaboration with Maui water officials, volunteers are testing the tap-water that may have been affected from the incineration of plastics, chemicals (from households and vehicles), and more. To support the on-going efforts of this outreach program, they are applying for funding from UH, local non-profits, and the National Science Foundation.
The testing program should provide Maui residents and county with information pertaining to the safety of their drinking water and encourage the transparency of the process with the community.
UH NEWS (September 12, 2023): https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2023/09/12/safety-maui-drinking-water/
Photo: Jackie Jamison, CTAHR assistant extension agent, Kahului Extension Office, Maui County. (courtesy of Chris Shuler)