Downed South Kona Well Affects Water Sodium

The Department of Water Supply recently announced that the department’s Ke’ei Well D experienced electrical issues on April 6. The DWS’s back-up well, Ke’ei Well C, was activated the following day to supplement water needs in the South Kona area.

Although still experiencing electrical issues, Ke’ei Well D continues to be used to supply water to some areas as the issue is investigated.

DWS officials say that that the back-up Ke’ei Well C has sodium levels that are higher than Ke’ei Well D. According to the department’s most recent information on sodium levels on the Ke’ei wells in July 2014, Ke’ei Well C has a sodium content of 34 mg/L, compared to Ke’ei Well D, which has a sodium level of 13 mg/L.

Areas that are provided water from the Ke’ei wells include:

Portions of Mamalahoa Highway from Napo’opo’o Road, south to Ho’okena, Middle Ke’ei Road from Mamalahoa Highway to the intersection with Napo’opo’o Road, Painted Church Road, and Keala O Keawe Road from Mamalahoa Highway to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau.

The water being provided from the Ke’ei wells meet enforceable drinking water standards, and is safe to drink, according to DWS officials.

Residents who live in one of the affected areas who are concerned because of sodium-restricted diets, including those who are undergoing treatment for sodium-sensitive hypertension, are advised by DWS officials to consult with their physician. For most individuals, drinking water supplies a very limited portion of their daily sodium intake.

DWS officials said Thursday that the length of the time that the back-up well will be used is undetermined, pending further investigation of the issue with the main Ke’ei Well.