UPDATE: Water Conservation Notice Issued for Hilo

Big Island Now stock photo. June 2016.

UPDATE: Oct. 3, 11:15 a.m.

The Department of Water Supply has issued a water conservation notice fro subdivisions along both sides of Kaūmana Drive from Chong Street, down to and including Ikena Place, Sunrise Estates and Hilo Hillside in South Hilo.

The Department of Water Supply experienced a water main break in its Upper Hilo Water System Sunday evening and repairs are underway. The break occurred in an inaccessible location of the upper Kaūmana area of Hilo.

The Department is requesting customers in the affected area to conserve water, to enable the Department to keep up with water demand.

Water Conservation calls for a voluntary 10% reduction in water use. Listed are some ways to conserve water and reach the 10% goal:

•  Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes at a time.
• Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator.
• Do not let water run when you wash, shave, or brush your teeth.
•  Reduce showering times.
• Use water-saving devices.
• Use a broom instead of a water hose for cleaning.
• Use drinking water wisely.

For more information,  call 961-8790.

ORIGINAL POST: Oct. 3, 7:22 a.m.

The Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply reported a main break in the Upper Hilo Water System on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 11:15 p.m.

Due to a water main break in an inaccessible location of the upper Kaumana area of Hilo, a water shut off is in effect for water supply customers in the Punahoa Mauka Estates Subdivision, along Haleloke and Hokulani Streets, as well as all services along Chong Street from Na‘auao Street to Lewa Nu‘u Street, including Lawelawe Circle.

Customers in the affected area may experience no water or low water pressure through the night and Monday.

Emergency water spigots are now available off of fire hydrants in the affected area. One is located on the mauka section of Haleloke Street and the other on Chong Street just past Na‘auao Street.

Until further notice, affected area customers are advised to restrict water use to essential needs only:

• Keep water to an absolute minimum use.
• Water should be used for essentials only.
• Turn off or disconnect any devices or fixtures that regularly draw water. Such devices include automatic ice makers and irrigation systems.

For any emergency water concerns call 961-8790.

The department apologizes for this inconvenience. Updates will be posted as they are made available.