July 11, 2024
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Preparedness for Public Safety Power Shutoffs
On July 1st, Hawaiian Electric (HECO) launched its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to reduce the risk of wildfires. More information on HECO’s PSPS program can be found at https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/safety-and-outages/wildfire-safety/public-safety-power-shutoff.
HECO’s release states, “In a PSPS, to help keep the public safe, Hawaiian Electric will preemptively shut off power to high-risk areas in the event of extreme weather conditions. Customers are urged to prepare for emergencies and the possibility of extended power outages during periods of high winds and dry conditions.” The PSPS affected areas on Hawai‘i Island are shown here:
https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/documents/safety_and_outages/wildfire_safety/psps_map_hawaii_island. pdf.
The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is one of HECO’s customers and relies on their power to operate our wells and booster pumps to distribute water to our own customers. Our understanding is that a PSPS power outage may last hours to days, depending on weather conditions, location and extent of damage.
DWS utilizes backup generators at a limited number of well sites, but these emergency generators CANNOT fully replicate HECO’s power grid. We are working with HECO and internally within DWS to identify the highest priority locations for generator positioning. However, an extended power outage could diminish or deplete portions of DWS’ water systems and leave customers with low pressure or no water. In order to prevent or delay this scenario from occurring, DWS will likely need to restrict or ration tap water for fire protection, drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene purposes only. Car washing, irrigation, and non-essential uses of water should be suspended until all power and water systems have been returned to normal conditions.
DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of DWS 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. Ways to safely store drinking water are listed in the Water Emergency Preparedness guide available under the “Community” drop-down menu option on the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org.
Updated messaging will be posted at www.hawaiidws.org and on the DWS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/. To reach the DWS, please call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.