Maui Water Conservation Urged, Tips Offered

Water customers in Upcountry Maui as well as the Waikapū, Kehalani Mauka (above Honoapiʻilani Highway), and Wailuku Heights areas are being asked to conserve water and avoid unnecessary water use until further notice. This comes amid concerns of continuing drought conditions on Maui.

Water Conservation Urged.

In May, the department declared a Stage 1 water shortage for all customers in Upcountry covering: Haʻikū, Makawao, Olinda, Pukalani, Kula, Hāliʻimaile, Ōmaʻopio/Pūlehu, Kēōkea/Waiohuli, ʻUlupalakua and Kanaio because of reduced surface water flows and drier conditions.

As for the Wailuku/Wailuku area, a county spokesperson said the Maui Department of Water Supply is “experiencing an unidentified increased consumption” and the Department of Water Supply would like to “maintain adequate water tank levels to minimize service interruptions.”

The department offered the following conservation tips:

• Water your lawn only when needed, reduce automatic irrigation time, water when the sun is down to avoid evaporation
• Turn off the water faucet when washing dishes, brushing your teeth, or shaving
  Shorten the time when you shower or only partially filling tub for baths
• Wash clothes using full wash loads and proper settings
• Wash the car using a bucket or taking car to the car wash. Most of the car washes on Maui are fitted with recirculating water
• Check in and around homes for leaks

“The Department of Water Supply is diligently working to identify the source of the problem and resolve this matter as soon as possible,” according to today’s county announcement.

The public an call the department’s 24-hour hotline at (808) 270-7633 if a water-related problem occurs or if there are any questions.