New Wākiu Water Source Meets DOH Requirements

Maui Now graphic.

The results of water testing from the new emergency water source in the Wākiu area, Hāna School, Hāna Medical Center, Waiʻānapanapa area, and ʻUakea Road has been determined to meet DOH requirements.

The Department of Water Supply will commence use of the new source, Wākiu Well “C” today, Monday, Dec. 19, 2016.  Water Department officials say the water from this source is safe to drink.

Maui Water Director Dave Taylor tells Maui Now that the emergency water source was already developed for use and was scheduled to open officially in 2017, pending completion of the DOH New Source approval process.

As it is was mechanically and electrically ready to run, the department was simply tasked with bringing it on-line earlier than anticipated. “We are simply starting it a little earlier due to the existing well failure,” said Taylor.

Water officials say the DOH has finished reviewing the well’s engineering report and has determined that the submitted water quality meets State and Federal drinking water regulations and is safe to drink. The report must now undergo 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.

“The receipt of inter-agency review comments is rare, and the DOH expects this well to be fully approved for use as one of the primary sources of drinking water for this system by the end of January 2017” according to the Safe Drinking Water Branch Chief Joanna Seto.

However, due to the pumping issues and low pressure being experienced with the current well in the Wākiu area, the new well will be put into use sooner than expected, with an “emergency source” designation until the inter-agency review process is completed.

Based on DOH regulations, the Department of Water Supply is required to inform consumers that if any FUTURE testing discovers a problem, we will let the community know immediately. This DOH requirement is consistent with the Department of Water Supply’s operations. The department has started communications with Hāna Water Systems-South for an emergency inter-connection should it be needed.

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

The public can direct any questions regarding Water Quality, to the Department of Water Supply Laboratory for more information at (808) 270-7550 and leave a message with questions and call back contact information. The 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.