Water Shortage Continues in Upcountry, Maui

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

The Department of Water Supply is continuing its declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district due to low level surface water flow. The Stage 1 water shortage declaration will continue until further notice.

By law, the 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 one to fifteen percent.

The DWS is appealing to all Upcountry water consumers 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 Stage 3 water shortage, both of which impose cost impacts on high water use.

Some friendly tips that the department offered on conserving water include the following:

· Kitchen tips: put fruits and vegetables in the sink or in a pan rather than letting the water run; wash a full load of dishes in the dishwasher; and keep a container of drinking water in the fridge.
· Laundry room tips: wash full loads of laundry; and use an Energy Star washing machine.
· Outdoor tips: water your lawn only when needed; check the weather and don’t water your lawn if it’s going to rain; check the aim of your irrigation system so water is not wasted on sidewalks; and check your garden hose for leaks.
· Swimming pool tips: install a pool cover; turn down the thermostat; and plant a windbreak.
· Obtain FREE low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, toilet bags, and hose nozzles from the DWS Water Resources & Planning Division office at One Main Plaza, Suite 102, Wailuku (corner of Vineyard and Main Street (enter from the sidewalk) or call the Division at 463-3110.

Due to the fluctuation in the flow of water and the fluctuation in the amount of rain, water levels can vary drastically which may require the declaration to go from a Step 1 one day to a Step 3 the following day. It is critical that Upcountry consumers take this Stage 1 water shortage seriously by doing their part to conserve.

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

By the Numbers: 

For the week ending on April 23, 2017, the state rainfall averaged 2.74 inches, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Hawaiʻi Crop Weather Report.

The Molokaʻi Irrigation System water level was marked at 39.75 feet on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, unchanged from the prior week. Conservation measures urged all non-homestead water users to cutback water consumption by ten percent.

The Waikamoi reservoir #1 water level was marked at 14.30 MG on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, up 14.30 MG from the prior week. The Waikamoi reservoir #2 water levels was marked at 11.40 MG on the same day, up 11.40 MG from the prior week. Each reservoir has a 15.00 MG capacity.

The Kahakapao reservoir #1 was marked at 43.60 MG on April 18, 2017, up 5.70 MG from the previous week. The Kahakapao reservoir #2 water levels was marked at 43.40 MG on the same day, up 5.70 MG from the previous week. Each reservoir has a 50.00 MG capacity.

The Piʻiholo reservoir was recorded at 46.70 MG on April 18, 2017, up 18.40 MG from the previous week. This reservoir has a capacity of 50.00 million gallons.