Press Release: Concerns Over Water Quality at Arizona Prison Addressed
Eloy, AZ – Facing allegations of contaminated water, officials from Hawaii’s Department of Corrections and private prison operator CoreCivic have strongly refuted claims that tap water at the Saguaro Correctional Center (SCC) is making Hawaii inmates ill. In a joint statement released Wednesday, they described these claims as “demonstrably false.”
Hawaii currently houses approximately 1,000 inmates at the SCC in Eloy. This week, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Hawaii raised concerns after receiving credible complaints from inmates alleging that the prison’s water is unsafe and is leading to various health issues, including skin and eye irritation. In response, the ACLU has requested independent testing of the water quality.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Hawaii corrections officials stated that no health-related issues have been linked to the drinking water. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, CoreCivic began installing water filters in all housing units for Hawaii inmates several months ago, completing the installation on Wednesday.
Wookie Kim, ACLU of Hawaii’s legal director, noted a suspicious correlation between the timing of the ACLU’s concerns and the installation of the filters. He emphasized the necessity for independent verification of the water quality, asserting that the current assurances from officials lack sufficient evidence.
In addition to water quality concerns, the ACLU also highlighted the high price of bottled water in the prison commissary, prompting officials to investigate potential cost-reduction measures. CoreCivic affirmed that the price of a case of bottled water had been lowered from $16.06 to $11.85 earlier this year.
As discussions on water safety continue, advocates urge greater transparency and independent evaluations to ensure the well-being of inmates housed far from home.
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