January 30, 2025
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Department of Water Supply Urges Customers to Prepare for Possible Service Interruptions Due to Expected Heavy Rains, Winds
The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is urging its customers to prepare for possible interruptions to the electrical utility and subsequently their water service that could result from a storm system anticipated to bring heavy rains and winds to Hawai‘i Island this week.
DWS requires a significant amount of dependable electricity to deliver an adequate and continuous supply of safe drinking water to all customers. Much of this electricity is supplied by Hawaiian Electric, which is directing its customers to prepare for possible power outages https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/about-us/newsroom.
DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly by setting aside drinking water ahead of time to meet essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service. Also recommended is to have alternate sources of potable water for emergency use.
Preparation tips include:
• Determine Household Water Needs. Each person should have a minimum of one gallon of water per day for at least 14 days, according to the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA)https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/public-resources/preparedness-information/. Pets and livestock also require water.
• Store Water Safely. Use only clean, dedicated, food-grade containers. Wash containers thoroughly with dishwashing soap, sanitize using one teaspoon of mild liquid chlorine bleach per quart of water, and then rinse thoroughly. Fill containers from the tap, leaving as little air as possible. Store in a cool, dark area. Water that has not been commercial bottled should be replaced every six months, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which offers more information at www.ready.gov/water.
• Treat Drinking Water. During an emergency, it may be necessary for DWS to issue a Boil Water Notice instructing customers to boil their tap water for at least one minute, allow it to cool, and store in a sterilized container. Pouring water back and forth between clean containers will improve taste by adding oxygen. Chemical disinfection is another safe way of disinfecting water. Disinfect water by adding 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 8-10 drops) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. (Make sure that the bleach contains a 5%-9% concentration of sodium hypochlorite.) Stir and let stand for 30minutes. If the water does not have a slight chlorine taste, repeat the dosage, and let stand for 15minutes. If the water from the tap appears discolored or appears suspicious otherwise, do not use it until it has been treated properly for its intended use. Disinfecting with chlorine bleach will not remove pesticides, petroleum products or other chemicals from water. See www.ready.gov/water.
• Restrict Water Use. Extend limited supplies by restricting water during emergencies. Use water only for essential drinking and sanitation needs. No lawn watering, car/boating washing, etc.
• Stay Informed. Sign up for free Hawai‘i County Civil Defense alerts at:
- https://member.everbridge.net/index/371914103062563#/signup or
www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense. - The Department of Water Supply will post system updates, availability of emergency supplies provided by mobile water wagons, and other important information at www.hawaiidws.org, www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/, and @hawaiidws.
- Learn more tips about disaster preparedness by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.