MEDIA RELEASE

As of this Tuesday (Jan 9), the 25% mandatory North Kona Water Restriction, that has been in effect since January 12, 2017, is officially downgraded to a 10% Voluntary Water Conservation.

The Keōpū Deepwell, which had been repaired on December 22, 2017, is fully operational and has been operating reliably over the past several weeks. The Department feels confident that the water needs of the community will be met with the 10% voluntary conservation in effect and will continue to monitor the water system and make adjustments as necessary.

The Department would sincerely like to acknowledge the community’s efforts to reduce their water usage throughout the water restriction. MAHALO for your assistance!

Customers are encouraged to use water efficiently and wisely, and to not waste water. For tips on how you can conserve water please visit our website at www.hawaiidws.org, call 961-8050 during normal business hours or email dws@hawaiidws.org. For after hour emergencies, call 961-8790.

—

AFFECTED AREAS: NORTH KONA, HAWAIʻI

Due to the completed repair of Keōpū Deepwell in North Kona, the Department of Water Supply is downgrading the water restriction to a voluntary conservation and requesting consumers in the affected areas to reduce your daily water usage by 10%. Listed are some ways to conserve water to reach the 10% goal:

• Wash full loads of laundry only.
• Wash full loads of dishes only.
• Serve drinking water only when requested.
• Do not let the faucets or shower run unnecessarily.
• When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.
• Do not fill the bathtub.
• Use a glass when brushing your teeth.
• Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.
• Use a broom instead of a water hose for cleaning.
• Use a spray nozzle on water hoses to reduce wasteful water use.
• Use drinking water wisely.
• Check your irrigation system and fix any broken sprinkler heads or reposition sprinkler heads so they are not watering non -landscaped areas.
• Check your irrigation system and timer so that you are not overwatering your lawns or plants.

All agricultural users should keep water usage to a minimum. Irrigate only at night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This meas ure will reduce water loss due to evaporation, and minimize water system usage during peak demand.

For more information, please contact the Department at (808) 322-0600 during normal business hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.