The state Department of Health will hold two public meetings next week to explain the impact cesspools are having on drinking water and waterways and offer information on possible solutions to the problem.

A recent Health Department report identified 14 priority areas state­­wide where cesspools are beginning to affect drinking water, streams or beaches.

The public informational meetings will be held at the two highest-priority areas: Makawao, Maui, and Kahaluu in Windward Oahu:

>> Makawao: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Eddie Tam Memorial Center, 931 Makawao Ave.

>> Kahaluu: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Kualoa-Heeia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project, 47-200 Waihee Road in Kaneohe.

According to the report, Upcountry Maui has 7,400 cesspools that threaten drinking water, and Kahaluu has 740.

The report, submitted last month to the state Legislature, labeled 43,000 residential cesspools as a priority for replacement.

A new state law requires all cesspools to be upgraded, converted or connected to the sewer system before 2050 unless they are exempted.