UPDATE: Boil Water Advisory CANCELLED for Central and South Maui

Photo of 'Iao on Maui on Thursday afternoon 3/8/12. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 9:40 a.m. 3/10/12) BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL MAUI CANCELED. DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY REPORTS TEST RESULTS NEGATIVE. AGAIN, BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR SOUTH AND CENTRAL MAUI CANCELED.

(Update: 1:14 p.m. 3/9/12)

Boil Water Advisory Continues:

The Department of Water Supply continues to advise customers in the Central and South Maui areas to boil water before consumption due to possible contamination from rainwater. Affected areas include Kahului, Wailuku, Paia, Spreckelsville, Waikapu, Puunene, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Maalaea.

County officials say that the DWS is concerned only about possible sediment from storm runoff, which got into the system. There has been no contamination from wastewater, according to County Communications Director Rod Antone.

“Although work crews believe they flushed the storm water out last night residents are asked to boil their water as a precaution,” said Antone. At this time, DWS authorities say there are no water quality violations; the advisory is a precautionary measure for public health and safety purposes.

Customers should bring water to a rapid boil for three minutes or more prior to consumption or use, or use bottled water.

DWS personnel are out in the water system flushing waterlines to ensure clean water. Laboratory personnel will take samples to verify water quality tomorrow. Another update will be provided once samples show no contamination.

(Update: 9:03 p.m. 3/8/12)

The Maui Department of Water Supply is recommending that customers in the Central and South Maui areas boil water before consumption due to possible contamination from flooding.

Affected areas include Kahului, Wailuku, Paia, Spreckelsville, Waihee, Waikapu, Puunene, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, and Maalaea.

“At this time, there are no water quality violations; the advisory is a precautionary measure for public health and safety purposes,” said DWS Administrative Officer, Jacky Takakura in a statement issued Thursday night.

Customers should boil water at a rapid boil for three minutes or more prior to consumption or use, or use bottled water.

DWS personnel are out in the water system flushing waterlines to ensure clean water and laboratory personnel will take samples to verify water quality tomorrow.

An update will be issued once samples show no contamination.

Customers are asked to call the DWS service line (270-7633) only if a water emergency occurs.

(Posted: 5:23 p.m. 3/8/12)

DWS Flushing “Dirty Water” at Kehalani: Water officials on Maui have confirmed that there have been reports of ‘dirty water’ in the Kehalani area in Wailuku. Crews are there now flushing the hydrants. The water supervisor expects the water to clear up in about an hour, according to DWS Administrative Officer, Jacky Takakura.  DWS has not found any waterline breaks in the area. Takakura says there is a chlorine residual in the water so it should still be safe.

5:23 p.m. 3/8/12: DWS Flushing “Dirty Water” at Kehalani: Water officials on Maui have confirmed that there have been reports of ‘dirty water’ in the Kehalani area in Wailuku. Crews are there now flushing the hydrants. The water supervisor expects the water to clear up in about an hour, according to DWS Administrative Officer, Jacky Takakura. DWS has not found any waterline breaks in the area. Takakura says there is a chlorine residual in the water so it should still be safe.