Wākiu Well Remains Emergency Water Source in East Maui

Maui Now graphic.

As required by the State Department of Health, the Department of Water Supply is informing the public of the continued use of Wākiu Well C, the new water source for the Wākiu area, Hāna School, Hāna Medical Center, Wainʻāpanapa area, and ʻUakea Road.

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

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS NOTICE IS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM. THE WATER FROM THIS SOURCE CONTINUES TO BE SAFE TO DRINK, HOWEVER PER DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REGULATIONS, AUTHORITIES MUST PUT OUT A PUBLIC NOTICE SUCH AS THIS ONE EVERY 30 DAYS THAT THERE IS CONTINUED 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.

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

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