(BIVN) – Three water systems in the Kaʻū distict that sustained heavy damage from Hurricane Lala may have been compromised, health officials say, prompting a boil water notice for customers who use the services.
Customers who are served by the Pahala Water System, and/or the Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC Public Water System, and/or Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op Public Water System, should not drink or use the water from their faucets without boiling it first.
The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply issued the notice concerning the Pahala Water System.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health issued the notice for the other two systems. The DOH says Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC, serves about 200 part- and full-time customers along Alahaki and Ninole roads in the Punaluʻu area. The Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op serves about 100 customers in Wood Valley.
From the DOH:
Both water systems sustained heavy damage caused by Hurricane Lala, losing pressure in distribution lines. While both systems report that alternative sources of water are available, the precautionary advisories address any water in the distribution system that may have been compromised due to the flood water inundation. While water system testing has not been completed due to post-storm conditions, a precautionary notice is being issued because of the damage incurred to the distribution lines.
Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC and Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op customers should bring all water from their faucets to a boil, let it boil for three minutes and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled water, bottled water, or water from an alternate source should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, washing hands, making baby formula and food preparation until further notice. Boiling tap water kills bacteria and other organisms that may be introduced by damage to the water system.
The health department says it is supporting Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC with requesting bulk supplies of potable water for its customers.
The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply has activiated the emergency generator at the Pahala well site, and will be conducting water quality testing to ensure water is safe to drink.
