(BIVN) – After a long year under a 25 percent (25%) Water Restriction due to a multitude of malfunctioning wells, Kona residents may get a Christmas present from the Department of Water Supply this year.

“As of Wednesday afternoon, Keōpū Deepwell installation is complete,” county water officials stated this week. “The Department has begun the disinfection and water quality testing process, which once successfully completed, will render the Keōpū Deepwell fully operational and ready for use. The Department anticipates this will happen by Monday, December 25, 2017.”

“At this time, the 25 percent (25%) Water Restriction remains in effect,” Water Supply said, “however, the Department expects to downgrade to a voluntary 10 percent (10%) conservation once the Keōpū Deepwell is operating reliably.”

Officials say Kona water tank levels remain stable and the water department continues to monitor the system and make adjustments as necessary.

“The Department sincerely appreciates the community’s efforts to reduce their water usage,” the notice states.