New water treatment proposed for Maui
By Timothy Hurley
Advertiser Maui County Bureau
WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui Department of Water Supply wants to try yet another chemical additive in the Upcountry water supply in an attempt to relieve residents of skin rashes, itching and other health problems.
Department spokesperson Jacky Takakura said yesterday that officials will seek state permission to use food-grade lime as an alternative to the phosphoric acid added to the water to reduce high levels of lead.
Lime was tried previously, Takakura said, but a different grade might make a difference. She said the department also is considering reducing phosphate levels as an interim measure.
In a draft letter to the Department of Water Supply, Lawrence Lau, the state Health Department's deputy director of environmental health, said it would allow the utility to try some new methods to address the problem, including switching the compound being added to the water to control lead leaching from pipes. Other suggestions include reducing phosphate levels, replacing corroding fixtures and lines, and changing the water source.
At a meeting in Pukalani Tuesday night, federal, state and county officials told a testy audience of about 100 that phosphoric acid was being used in the water system to comply with federal lead and copper regulations.
"Quite frankly, 30,000 people are guinea pigs here," Herb Squires told officials with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the state Department of Health and the county during the meeting at Pukalani Elementary School.
Squires joined other speakers in calling for an immediate halt to use of phosphoric acid, which also is used in the manufacture of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals and detergents, and as a flavoring agent in soda pop, beer, jams and jellies, and cheeses.
Squires also warned officials that they may face a lawsuit from consumers seeking compensation for the physical damage being caused by the chemical.
Officials did say help may be on the way. The county announced that a Virginia Tech University water corrosives expert has been hired to conduct testing on the acidity level of the Upcountry water in hopes it might make a difference in reducing lead levels and end the need for using an additive.
A Florida engineering firm also will be hired to look at potential problems systemwide, conduct testing of residential plumbing, and come up with a plan. The contract will be paid in part by $500,000 in special money from the EPA.
But many residents said their health is deteriorating and they shouldn't have to wait for further testing. They said the chemical is responsible for ailments ranging from bleeding, sores, rashes and asthma to osteoporosis.
"We want a moratorium. We want it stopped now," said Alana Cini of 'Ulupalakua.
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa said that if it were up to him, use of the chemical additive would be stopped immediately. But the county risks $25,000-a-day fines if it disobeys the directive of the state, which acts under EPA guidelines.
More than 120 complaints have been received about skin problems residents say are linked to the Upcountry water system.
The complaints started after June 2001, when the Department of Water Supply began adding zinc orthophosphate, a compound designed to control high levels of lead caused by leaching of pipes in older homes. Responding to public pressure last year, the water department switched to phosphoric acid, but the complaints persisted.
Reach Timothy Hurley at thurley@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 244-4880.
