BREAKING: Upcountry Water Meters To Be Issued in New Year

By Maui Now Staff

Water meter photo by Wendy Osher.

The Maui Department of Water Supply will begin to issue water meters in the Upcountry area based on its recent purchase of source water capacity totaling 33,000 gallons per day.

“We are very pleased that we are finding solutions to a decades-long problem,” said Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa, adding, “In total, we should be able to offer water service to several hundred people over the next year or two.”

The Kaupakalua Well was developed in Haiku and dedicated to the county in 2000.  Part of the production capacity of the well was intended for specific projects; however, county officials say the developer offered a portion of their remaining capacity to the county at a favorable price.

“Combined with the recent decision to allow the use of the Hamakuapoko Wells as a backup source, the additional source capacity is the beginning of a solution to a big problem,” Arakawa said.

Department staff will begin contacting applicants on the Priority List in January 2012 to notify them of the opportunity to apply for water service.

County officials say applicants on the Priority List who are contacted and offered water service must respond within 30 days.  Applicants must also pay the Water System Development Fee and installation costs to receive water service.

If an applicant is offered, but not ready for service, they may opt to reserve the meter for up to five years.

The Priority List, the Water System Development Fee Rule, and water meter issuance provisions for the Upcountry water system can be found online at www.mauiwater.org.

***Supporting information courtesy County of Maui.