Diesel fuel levels more than double the DOH limits for drinking water were reported in samples collected from the Navy’s Aiea Halawa Shaft on Sunday, December 5.  The shaft is one of three ground water sources that provides drinking water to the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) water system.

A level of 920 parts per billion (ppb) of total petroleum hydrocarbons diesel range organics (TPH-d) was reported by the Navy. The DOH Environmental Action Level (EAL) for TPH-d is 400 ppb. An EAL is a risk-based level below which no human health effects are expected. DOH staff will collect samples from the Aiea Halawa shaft Thursday.

DOH recommends all Navy water system users should avoid using the water for drinking, cooking, or oral hygiene. This includes consumption by pets. Navy water system users who detect a fuel-like odor from their water should also avoid using the water for bathing, dishwashing or laundry. This recommendation applies to users of the Navy’s Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) water system, including the Aliamanu Military Reservation, Red Hill and Nimitz Elementary Schools and military housing.