Upper Kula Water System to Temporarily Switch to Chlorine

The Maui County Department of Water Supply will switch the distribution system disinfectant in the Upper Kula water system from chloramines to chlorine for approximately four to eight weeks beginning on Oct. 30, 2018.

This affects the Upper Kula water system only.

Chlorine is the same disinfectant used in the Lower Kula and Makawao water systems. The change will be temporary in order to conduct maintenance on the 8-million-gallon reservoir at the Olinda Treatment Facility.

In addition, this temporary conversion to chlorine will reduce any possible bacterial growth that may be occurring in the system, particularly at the end of waterlines or in customers’ homes.

Many utilities throughout the country using chloramines as a distribution system disinfectant routinely convert to chlorine to hinder bacterial growth in their systems. Customers may notice a chlorine taste and smell to the water during this time. This is normal and poses no health risk. Drinking water may be kept in a pitcher and refrigerated prior to consumption to allow the chlorine to dissipate and should reduce any chlorine smell or taste.

Kidney dialysis patients should note that the processes already in place to remove chloramines in the water will also remove chlorine. No change or adjustment is needed, and in approximately four to eight weeks, the DWS will switch back to chloramines.

Fish tank owners who have a filter that removes chloramines, will not need to make any adjustments. no change or adjustment is needed. Owners of fish tanks without filters may want to let the water sit for a few hours before adding it to the tank, so the chlorine can dissipate.

For information about water quality, customers may call the DWS Laboratory at (808) 270-7550 or go to www.mauiwater.org. For health concerns, customers may call the Maui District Office of the State Department of Health at (808) 984-8200.