EPA’s 2022 inspection found that the Navy needed to make improvements in the operation and maintenance of the public water system. What progress has been completed since then, and is the system now being properly managed?

EPA’s 2022 Safe Drinking Water Act inspection findings were based on the conditions observed at that time. Since then, EPA has required the Navy to correct those deficiencies through the 2023 Administrative Consent Order (ACO), which includes specific actions and timelines the Navy is obligated to meet.

The Navy has completed the following requirements of ACO Statement of Work (SOW) Section 6.0 - Drinking Water Protection:

• Source Water Protection Plan Phase I - development of protection measures to be in place for Red Hill Shaft through defueling efforts;
• Development of a Hydraulic model for Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH);
• Development of a Unidirectional Flushing Plan;
• Development and implementation of a Maintenance Flushing Program;
• Development and implementation of a Valve Exercising Program;
• Proper storage of chemicals used in the water treatment process and development of an inventory of chemicals used;
• Development of an available operator work schedule and operator logs showing the Operator in Responsible Charge for every shift;
• Separation and organization of all Navy-operated public water system records;
• Development of an Asset Management Program;
• Responding to water quality complaints within three days with the appropriate actions and posting a written monthly investigation report on the Navy’s Safe Waters website.
• Reconstruction of water storage tank S2; and
• Inspection, cleaning, and sampling of water storage tank 316.

In addition to the above completed ACO requirements, the Navy has developed and submitted Operator Standard Operating Procedures that are currently under EPA review.

EPA has continued to provide oversight through inspections, audits, review of corrective actions, and independent sampling. This ensures that Navy has successfully resolved the issues identified in 2022 and continues to operate the system in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

EPA’s recent assessments show that the Navy has made substantial improvements in how the distribution system is monitored, managed, and maintained, and EPA will continue its oversight role.