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To understand community impacts and needs after the August 2023 Maui wildfires, we conducted a rapid survey-based field investigation two weeks after the incident. During the fires, municipal water customers were warned not to use their water due to potential drinking water contamination. Household displacement and isolation of some impacted areas limited extensive study participation. Households (14) in the affected areas were visited and surveyed about property characteristics, evacuation, water use, and water quality observations. Publicly available test results from Maui County and the University of Hawai'i were also reviewed. Opportunistically, wildfire impacts to agricultural water systems were documented. Half of the households had property damage, and all lost power and used drinking water before being notified that it was potentially contaminated. Nearly all households expressed confusion about allowable water use activities and health risks. Most households noticed water issues after the evacuation order was lifted, and some acquired and used at-home drinking water test kits. None of these kits could find all previously identified fire-related chemicals. Damage to agricultural water systems was similar to damage seen for residential systems. Recommendations to lessen impacts and expedite community response and recovery from wildfires are provided.
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Wildfire damage and contamination to private drinking water wells
Abstract Following the 2021 Marshall Fire in Colorado, this study was conducted to better understand private well and plumbing damage and to develop public health guidance. More than 20 post‐fire drinking water well guidance documents with varied recommendations were found. Approximately 227 wells were located in the fire footprint. Seventeen properties were visited, and a subset of wells were sampled for organic and inorganic contaminants. Property debris was also collected. Benzene, toluene, and 19 semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were detected in water extracts of property debris. No wells contained volatile organic compound contamination. Two shallow wells (12 and 15 ft) had debris contamination; one well contained notable SVOC contamination. One multi‐home unregulated well system was extensively damaged, lost pressure, and had not been repressurized 11 months after the fire due to financial and technical challenges. Study results highlight the need for follow‐up work to understand well system damage and household response.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2214580
- PAR ID:
- 10397492
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- AWWA Water Science
- Volume:
- 5
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2577-8161
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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