Water Department Continues Use of Wākiu Well C

Hana waterfall.  Image: Chris Archer

The Maui Department of Water Supply has announced its continued use of Wākiu Well C, the new water source for the Wākiu area, Hāna School, Hāna Medical Center, Waiʻānapanapa area, and Uakea Road.

As of Dec. 14, 2016, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health approved of the use of the new Wākiu Well C as an emergency water source.

Water officials say that the notice is no cause for alarm.  Water from the source continues to be safe to drink; however, per Department of Health regulations, the DWS must put out a public notice every 30 days as it continues use of the emergency water source. 

Wākiu Well C was already developed and scheduled to open, pending completion of the DOH New Source approval process; however, due to pumping issues and low pressure being experienced with the current well in the Wākiu area, the Wākiu Well C was put into use sooner than expected.

The DOH finished reviewing the well’s engineering report and determined that the submitted water quality meets State and Federal drinking water regulations and is safe to drink.

The report is now undergoing a review by inter-agencies that consider hydrological and geological factors, along with surrounding land uses and existing infrastructure in the well’s area of influence.

Full approval for the use of the well is anticipated in late February 2017.

Water samples have been and will be taken two times a month or more if needed to ensure that the quality of water meets all Federal and State regulations.

Based on DOH regulations, the DWS is required to immediately inform consumers of any problems discovered through future testing. This DOH requirement is consistent with DSWS operations.

Anyone with questions regarding water quality, is asked to call the Department of Water Supply Laboratory for more information at (808) 270-7550 and leave a message with uestions and call back contact information. The Laboratory hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

/the public can also call the 24-hour service line at  (808) 270-7633 if any other water-related problem occurs or if there are any questions.