(BIVN) – The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply gave a detailed update on the status of water availability at different locations across Hawaiʻi island, following the service disruptions caused by Hurricane Lala.
Most customers have water supplied through normal DWS infrastructure except for several locations in Kaʻū, as well as upper Mountain View in Puna, Kaloko Mauka in Kona, and Hawi in North Kohala.
From north to south:
Hawi
There is no Hawaiian Electric power at Karpovich booster, which is currently on generator power. Water customers are asked to use water for essential uses only.
Kaloko Mauka
There is no Hawaiian Electric power at the Kaloko Mauka #3 tank and above. Water spigots are located near Kaloko Mauka tank #3 for customers’ use. Water service has been restored to lower portion of the service area, up to the area above Kaloko Loa Street.
Upper Mountain View
There is no Hawaiian Electric power at the Olaʻa #7 booster and Olaʻa #8 booster. The water department is currently running Olaʻa #7 on generator power. A water tanker has been deployed to fill a tank at North Peck Road and Ihope. A water buffalo (approximately 400 gallons) has also been stationed along North Peck Road.
Water customers are asked to use water for essential uses only, such as drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes.
Pāhala
There is no Hawaiian Electric power at Pahala well, which is currently running on generator power. Customers are being asked to use water for essential uses only.
The Precautionary Boil Water Notice for Pahala is was cancelled on August 20th.
Based on an aerial inspection conducted on Saturday, “DWS waterlines to its water sources above Pahala town are significantly damaged and not salvageable.”
Spigots are located on a fire hydrant fronting Kaʻū Hospital for Punaluʻu residents. An emergency standpipe is fronting Kaʻū Hospital for ranchers.
Nāʻālehu
There is no Hawaiian Electric power at any Department of Water Supply sites in Nāʻālehu. The Nāʻālehu well is currently on generator power, which currently only supplies water to a very limited portion of the system, from approximately Nāʻālehu Hongwanji to Ace Hardware. A Precautionary Boil Water Notice has been issued for any Nāʻālehu customer who has water coming from their taps. The Precautionary Boil Water Notice remains in effect until a full assessment of the water system, along with repairs and water quality testing, can be completed. Customers are asked to use water for essential uses only.
Spigots are located near Assemblies of God – Nāʻālehu church. A potable water tanker is located in the Island Market parking lot across from Ace Hardware from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Officials ask users to please limit usage to essential potable needs only.
A waterline between Nāʻālehu Elementary and Punaluʻu Bake Shop was severed by flood waters. The line was repaired on August 21, and the department will start to test the waterline.
Waiohinu/Discovery Harbor
There is no Hawaiian Electric power at any Department of Water Supply sites in Waiohinu. Generators have been located for boosters at Nāʻālehu Tank and Waiohinu Houselot tanks. Water supply is working to transport the generator to Nāʻālehu booster on Monday, August 24. A potable water tanker is located at the Discovery Harbor Club House, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Based on a Saturday aerial inspection, DWS waterlines to its sources above Waiohinu town are significantly damaged and not salvageable. A timeframe to restore the waterlines has not been determined at this time.
South Point
Water is being hauled from Pāhala to South Point tank. The tank is partially filled but the department will need to check the system for any leaks.
