Stage 1 water shortage declared for Central Maui water system

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is declaring a Stage 1 water shortage for the Central Maui System. The Central Maui service area includes Waiheʻe, Waiehu, Wailuku, Kahului, Spreckelsville, Pāʻia, Kūʻau, Māʻalaea, Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena. 

“Peak water demand over the summer has put a strain on our limited water supply and stresses water resources,” said John Stufflebean, Director of the County Department of Water Supply. “Although the recent rains have been beneficial, water use is expected to increase again throughout the remainder of the dry season.”

The Department is implementing Stage 1 of its Water Shortage and Conservation Plan to reduce water demand by 10%. Much of the water use in summer is a result of irrigating lawns and landscaping. Limiting lawn irrigation can greatly reduce water use throughout Central and South Maui. At this time, the Department is asking all customers throughout Central and South Maui to follow all water use restrictions to conserve water supply and protect water resources.

These mandatory restrictions apply to all users, including County parks and facilities, commercial uses and multifamily units.

Under the restrictions:

• Irrigation is allowed for no more than two days per week according to the following schedule:
  • Monday and Friday for even-numbered residential addresses.
  • Tuesday and Saturday for odd-numbered residential addresses.
  • Wednesday and Sunday for even-numbered commercial facilities and multifamily units.
  • Monday and Thursday for odd-numbered commercial facilities and multifamily units.
• Customers must repair any leaks, breaks or faulty sprinklers within five days of notice or notification to the extent feasible.
• Existing pools shall not be emptied and refilled using potable water unless required for public health and safety purposes.
• Filling or refilling ornamental ponds is prohibited. Ornamental ponds that sustain aquatic life and were actively managed prior to the shortage declaration are exempt.

The Department is also asking customers to follow these voluntary conservation practices:

• Avoid washing vehicles unless using a handheld container, hose with automatic shut-off device or at a commercial car wash.
• Avoid watering vegetated areas in a manner that causes excessive runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street or gutter.
• Avoid watering vegetated areas within 48 hours of a measurable rainfall event.
• Limit irrigation of landscaped areas to the hours before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Hotels may offer their guests the option to not have linens and towels laundered daily.
• Restaurants may only serve water upon request from patrons.

“We will continue to watch supply and demand and the weather forecasts to determine any changes to the Stage 1 water shortage for Central and South Maui,” Stufflebean said. “We appreciate water usersʻ collaboration to implement these measures.”

For more information, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/water.