Clean Water

Blue Water Task Force

Surfrider Foundation deploys the power of citizen science to gather data about bacteria levels present in ocean water at local beaches. Every two weeks, volunteers go to over a dozen beaches aross the island to collect and share the data. VIEW DATA HERE.

This program exists to alert citizens and officials in their communities about water quality problems and to work toward solutions. If you want to volunteer to become a citizen scientist, e-mail our BWTF Coordinator Dan Amato at bwtf@oahu.surfrider.org.

BWTF data supplements the work of the DOH. The DOH Clean Water Branch’s water quality data is available for all of the public. For more information, or to report a spill, go to the Clean Water Branch’s website or simply call the Clean Water Branch at 808-586-4309.

Can you surf after it rains?

TIP: Do not go in the water for up to 72 hours after a big rainfall. These rain events cause upstream waste, pathogens, and toxins to flow into our ocean and increases your risk of infection and illness.

Not all areas are created equal. Some places are worse due to their proximity to storm drains and land-based outflows, like Ala Moana Bowls. If you do enter the water after a rain, make sure you wash off with fresh water as soon as you get out and take a shower when you get home. More information HERE and HERE.

Cesspools

One of the greatest sources of ocean pollution in Hawaiʻi are cesspools. A cesspool is an underground hole, generally with no lining at all, from 12 to 20 feet deep with a concrete cap on top.

There are approximately 88,000 cesspools in Hawaii that release 53 Million gallons per day of raw sewage into our groundwater and threaten public and environmental health. The danger of cesspools is exacerbated by heavy rainfall and flooding.

The State of Hawaii now requires all cesspools to be upgraded or closed before January 1, 2050 under Act 125. There is also an up to $10,000 tax credit available for homeowners who upgrade by December 31, 2030 under Act 120.

More details on cesspools at:
“Cesspools in Hawaii” – Department of Health Wastewater Branch
“Cesspools in Hawaii” – EPA Resources
“Cesspools in Paradise” – Hawaii Sea Grant”

Check out WAI Clean Water, which works to directly to eliminate cesspools from Hawaii.