Stage 1 Water Shortage Continues Upcountry

“Stage 1” Water Shortage Continued for Upcountry, Maui. Maui Now image.

The Department of Water Supply (DWS) is continuing its declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district due to reduced surface water flow and an ongoing dry weather forecast for the summer and fall.

The Stage 1 water shortage became effective Tuesday, July 18, 2017. At Stage 1, water rates remain the same.

By law, the Maui County Director of Water Supply, with the approval of the mayor, is authorized to declare a water shortage whenever the water supply becomes inadequate in any area in the county due to a period of drought, an infrastructure or mechanical malfunction, natural disaster, or other event causing a water shortage.

A Stage 1 water shortage exists if the director determines that anticipated water demand in an area is projected to exceed available water supply by 1 to 15%.

Due to the declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage, all Upcountry water consumers are asked to conserve water and to avoid any unnecessary water use until further notice. Water conservation measures taken now could prevent the progression to a Stage 2 or 3 water shortage.

Some water conservation tips are as follows:

• Use less water to clean your home. Use a pail or basin instead of running water. Also, use a sponge mop instead of a string mop as sponge mops use less water and take less water to keep clean.
• Presoak items such as grills and oven parts overnight. Then scrub with a textured brush or pad.
• Install low-flow fixtures by obtaining free low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, toilet bags and hose nozzles from the DWS Water Resources & Planning Division office. Visit the office at One Main Plaza, Ste. 102, Wailuku (corner of Vineyard and Main Street, enter from the sidewalk) or call the division at 463-3110. Business hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The Maui County Department of Water Supply thanks its customers for its cooperation and understanding. For general information, visit www.mauiwater.org.