August 22, 2024
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Department of Water Supply Reminds Customers to Prepare for Approaching Storms, Possible Service Interruptions
The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is reminding customers to prepare for two developing storms and adverse weather that could interrupt their water service. Tropical Storm Hone is expected to bring heavy rains and winds during the weekend, while Hurricane Gilma continues to intensify as a major hurricane as it heads toward Hawai‘i Island, according to the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac. Also visit the National Weather Service’s website at https://www.weather.gov/hfo/ for important updates.
DWS requires a significant amount of dependable electricity to deliver a reliable supply of safe drinking water to all customers. Natural disasters and public safety measures taken in response to them www.hawaiianelectric.com/hawaiian-electric-advances-wildfire-safety-strategy-expands-gridresilience-work can disrupt electrical service and impact water quality or supply. DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly. Customers should have alternate sources of potable water and enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service.
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. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 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 30 minutes. If the water does not have a slight chlorine taste, repeat the dosage, and let stand for 15 minutes. 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 and www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/.
- Learn more tips about disaster preparedness by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website, https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters.
Hawai‘i’s hurricane season runs through November 30 https://www.noaa.gov/.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.