(BIVN) – The effort to restore water service for affected customers in Kaʻū continues, following the impacts of Hurricane Lala last month.
On Wednesday, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply said approximately 98% of customers now have water service, with recovery efforts focused on those who are without service in the Waiʻōhinu Homestead service area.
Restoration of the Mountain House Spring is the department’s top priority. Materials and equipment are being transported to repair the damaged water system infrastructure.
“Based on current conditions and the anticipated scope of work, repairs to the Mountain House Spring waterline are expected to take approximately two months once repair work begins,” the department reports. “This timeframe is tentative and dependent on the weather conditions in the area; inclement weather may delay the repair schedule.”
Some damaged waterlines will be replaced with pipelines up to 12 inches in diameter, “with measures designed to improve their resilience to future heavy rainfall and flooding,” the water department says.
“Because of the extent of the damage, including washed-out roads, drainageways, and waterlines, some repairs will require substantial construction and coordination,” officials say.
Water service remains restored to customers along South Point Road. “To help maintain adequate water storage, DWS is supplementing the South Point tank with potable water hauled from another DWS water system,” the Wednesday update reported. “Customers served by the South Point tank are asked to continue conserving water to help maintain adequate water storage while recovery efforts continue. DWS has installed and will continue to install flow restriction devices on customer meters along South Point Road, as necessary, to help maintain adequate water service throughout this area.”
Meanwhile, potable water tankers have been deployed to the Waiʻōhinu Homestead area, Discovery Harbour Clubhouse, and the Island Mart parking lot in Nā‘ālehu for customers’ use.
The Precautionary Boil Water Notice remains in effect for customers in this area.
