HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii is raising concerns for Hawaii prisoners incarcerated at Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona over possible contaminated drinking water.
The alleged contaminated water is given to almost 1,000 Hawaii prisoners daily.
According to multiple prisoners, the water has a foul taste, smell and is causing health problems, especially for elderly individuals and those with preexisting medical conditions.
For others, the water has a "heavily chlorinated" taste and a "greasy, viscous" feel that leaves an aftertaste in the back of the throat.
Additionally, the standing water in their toilets "makes each cell 'smell like chlorine.'" Prisoners allege it causes burning eyes, crashed and bleeding skin, gastrointestinal issues and more when consumed or bathed in.
Some have resorted to melting ice cubes since the ice machine has a filter. The ACLU also added bottled water is sold at $15 per case and some prisoners are unable to afford water costs due to the prison only paying 25 cents per hour of labor.
I experience extreme anxiety and feel unsafe because I know the water will be harmful when I drink it. But I have to drink something, and I can’t afford to pay $15 for a case of water.
Anonymous incarcerated Saguaro prisoner in a letter
ACLU's letter stated that Saguaro staff are aware of the unsafe drinking conditions. Officials said the staff receives five-gallon water dispensers in staff-only areas.
“The practice of sending people from Hawaiʻi thousands of miles away from their families to survive in for-profit prisons like Saguaro is harmful enough. And the provision of contaminated water further demonstrates the government’s blatant disregard for the health and safety of our most vulnerable community members, in contravention of the law. This must end," said Salmah Y. Rizvi, ACLU of Hawaii Executive Director.
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The Department of Corrections said it's communicating with the prison's management company.