Fire Hydrant Flow Tests Scheduled This Week

The county Department of Water Supply is notifying the public about fire hydrant flow tests happening this week in two locations on the Big Island.

The first flow test is scheduled for midnight-1 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, within Kawaihae Harbor along Akoni Pule Highway. The flow test will affect water customers within the harbor area, from the entrance on Kawaihae Road to and including Kaewa Place, and any side roads and lanes.

The second flow test will be from 9-11 p.m. Thursday, July 7, along Nowelo Street in Hilo. The test will affect water customers along the roadway, above and below Komohana Street and up to the University of Hawai‘i Hawaiian Language Building, including all side roads and lanes.

Customers in the affected areas could experience slightly discolored and turbid water for several hours after the flow tests. Customers are advised to refrain from washing clothes and to store a container of water for drinking needs until the water supply is restored to normal.

“Please pardon this temporary inconvenience,” a press release from the Department of Water Supply said.

Anyone who experiences any unusual problems during or after the flushing period on Nowelo Street can call District Supervisor Carl Nishimura at 808-961-8790. Anyone experiencing unusual problems after the flushing period from the flow test within Kawaihae Harbor can call District Supervisor William O’Neil Jr. at 808-887-3030.