The state Department of Health on Monday said tap water was safe to drink at the Red Hill Housing military community on Oʻahu.
While only 10% of homes have been tested for fuel contamination, the state will conduct ongoing sampling to ensure water safety.
Red Hill Housing includes 135 houses as well as Red Hill Elementary School. The US military oversees the community, but it is serviced by the navy water system.
Thousands of water system residents have reported illnesses from fuel contamination in the system since late last year. About 4,000 military families have been living in hotels since early December.
The Navy’s water supply system is divided into 19 zones, and the community of Red Hill Housing is in the first zone determined to have safe drinking water. The DOH health advisory against the use of tap water is still in effect for the other 18 areas.
DOH Deputy Director Kathleen Ho said the state is satisfied contaminants have been removed in the Red Hill Housing area.
“The work included a careful review of the operation of the system, checking that contaminated water no longer enters the system, as well as flushing and testing to ensure that no contamination remains in the system,” Ho said.
Health officials say testing 10% of homes gives them 99% confidence that the water in all buildings is safe.
The Associated Press reports that state toxicologist Dr. Diana Felton said traces of oil were found in a sample from the area but did not exceed the threshold the department had set for safety.
Ho says anyone continues to detect fuel in their drinking water must contact the DOHand the water will be tested.
The state will continue testing even after residents return.
The department said it would test water in 5% of area homes in the first three months, followed by 10% of homes every six months for the next two years.
Officials say sampling the water due to contamination will have cost the state about $4.5 million by early June and they intend to recover the money from the Navy.
The Army Ohana Task Force, which was set up to help residents deal with the crisis, will support residents of Red Hill Housing when they return home.