Water quality status and bacteria risk rating
📍 West Oʻahu, residential community, about 25 min from Waikiki
Ewa Beach has a moderate bacteria risk. This large residential community has multiple storm drain outlets and receives development runoff from the rapidly growing Ewa Plain area. The nearby Waimanalo Gulch Landfill (located between Kahe Point and Kapolei) has documented EPA leachate issues that are a concern for the broader area.
On the positive side, Ewa Beach is on the dry leeward coast of Oʻahu, which means less frequent heavy rainfall and therefore less frequent runoff events. During extended dry periods, water quality is generally better. After storms, give the water at least 72 hours to clear.
Based on: DOH monitoring data, storm drain proximity, residential density, nearby landfill concerns
At moderate-risk beaches like Ewa Beach, the Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain. Storm drains serving the surrounding residential neighborhoods can push urban pollutants into nearshore waters. The 72-hour rule is especially important here due to the multiple runoff sources.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.
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