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Navy Expands How It Addresses Drinking Water Concerns on Oahu

by Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill Public Affairs
07 March 2024
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii -- Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill (NCTF-RH), in conjunction with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH), and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), continues to make significant strides in addressing community concerns about drinking water by forming a new Water Quality Action Team, voluntarily extending a drinking water monitoring program, and performing an in-depth inspection of a water heater from a residence in Navy housing at JBPHH.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerry Caldwell, a member of the Navy’s Rapid Response Team, collects a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerry Caldwell, a member of the Navy’s Rapid Response Team, collects a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerry Caldwell, a member of the Navy’s Rapid Response Team, collects a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
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Petty Officer 2nd Class Jerry Caldwell, a member of the Navy’s Rapid Response Team, collects a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
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Photo By: Petty Officer 1st Class Glenn Slaughter
VIRIN: 240228-N-IS471-1009


While the existing Rapid Response Team is in the process of being phased out, a new enhanced Water Quality Action Team is being implemented to respond to consumer concerns and complaints, and to provide overall water quality assessments and information to residents and water consumers. This new team includes a water quality professional that will assess potential water quality concerns at residences and facilities such as household water chemistry, chlorine levels, water temperature, and potential premise plumbing concerns. Potential concerns related to premise plumbing, including water heater and appliance operation and maintenance, will also be addressed by the team. This effort is in addition to the recently announced replacement to the Long-Term Monitoring Program, the Extended Drinking Water Monitoring Program, which will continue to test the water for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH).

A Navy contractor and water quality expert tests a water sample looks at a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
SLIDESHOW | 2 images | 240228-N-IS471-1086 A Navy contractor and water quality expert tests a water sample looks at a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
A Navy contractor and water quality expert tests a water sample looks at a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
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A Navy contractor and water quality expert tests a water sample looks at a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
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A Navy contractor and water quality expert tests a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
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A Navy contractor and water quality expert tests a water sample at a Hale Moku neighborhood residence in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 28, 2024. The samples taken by the Rapid Response Team will be tested immediately for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) with results provided to the resident within 24 hours from sampling. The long-term monitoring samples will be sent off-island to multiple Environmental Protection Agency-certified labs the same day the samples are collected to be tested for the presence of TPH and over 60 other analytes, with results returned in approximately 14 days to the resident. All long-term monitoring sample results are posted monthly to the Safewaters website. These ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Glenn Slaughter)
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The new Water Quality Action Team recently implemented these efforts at a residence in a Navy housing neighborhood that had a low-level TPH detection. The home was identified because its TPH detection level, although within Federal and State safe drinking water standards, was among the highest of residences sampled.
 
Under the observation of an on-site Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) water quality professional, the team conducted a comprehensive assessment of the premise plumbing at the residence. This included evaluating pH, water temperature, residual chlorine, and sampling of hot and cold water; and conducting a complete internal and external evaluation of the resident’s water heater. To conduct the evaluation, the group removed the water heater to an inspection facility for dismantling. This provided the opportunity to complete further evaluation of the unit to gain additional water quality information.

Navy personnel and contractors use an endoscope to examine a water heater as part of the Navy’s Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring program at a local residence on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024. The ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health.
Navy personnel and contractors use an endoscope to examine a water heater as part of the Navy’s Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring program at a local residence on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024. The ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Krystal Diaz)
Navy personnel and contractors use an endoscope to examine a water heater as part of the Navy’s Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring program at a local residence on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024. The ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health.
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Navy personnel and contractors use an endoscope to examine a water heater as part of the Navy’s Drinking Water Long-Term Monitoring program at a local residence on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Honolulu, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024. The ongoing monitoring efforts are part of the Navy’s enduring, long-term commitment to ensure the safety of the environment and public health. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Krystal Diaz)
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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Krystal Diaz
VIRIN: 240227-N-MK588-1289


The removal of the old water heater revealed minimal corrosion, and upon draining the water heater, the internal water showed no visible concerns. The team checked temperature readings, chlorine levels, general condition, and interior components, finding no evidence of adverse water quality. Duplicate water samples were taken for independent comparative analysis at both Navy and Environmental Protection Agency labs with results expected later in March 2024.

Chief Construction Electrician Trayvosier Roddy, left, and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Skylar Knight, both assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Hawaii, dismantle a water heater at the Seabee Warehouse on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, Feb. 29, 2024. Dismantling the water heater is part of a Navy Region Hawaii investigation into potential causes for low-level detections of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons.
Chief Construction Electrician Trayvosier Roddy, left, and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Skylar Knight, both assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Hawaii, dismantle a water heater at the Seabee Warehouse on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, Feb. 29, 2024. Dismantling the water heater is part of a Navy Region Hawaii investigation into potential causes for low-level detections of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Krystal Diaz)
Chief Construction Electrician Trayvosier Roddy, left, and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Skylar Knight, both assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Hawaii, dismantle a water heater at the Seabee Warehouse on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, Feb. 29, 2024. Dismantling the water heater is part of a Navy Region Hawaii investigation into potential causes for low-level detections of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons.
240229-N-MK588-1081
Chief Construction Electrician Trayvosier Roddy, left, and Construction Electrician 2nd Class Skylar Knight, both assigned to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Hawaii, dismantle a water heater at the Seabee Warehouse on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, Feb. 29, 2024. Dismantling the water heater is part of a Navy Region Hawaii investigation into potential causes for low-level detections of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Krystal Diaz)
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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Krystal Diaz
VIRIN: 240229-N-MK588-1081


These efforts are critical to the Navy’s efforts to address water quality concerns and reassure those living and working on the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam system the drinking water is safe.

For more about these recent initiatives, go to www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil or visit www.jbphh-safewaters.org for more information on drinking water sampling.
 
NCTF-RH is committed to working with all government agencies and community stakeholders to safely and deliberately close the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility underground storage tanks and associated pipelines, conduct long-term environmental remediation, and ensure continued access to safe drinking water in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, policies and regulations.
 
For more information about NCTF-RH, visit www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil.