Scheduled inspection for North Hilo water service laterals to begin mid-April

Starting in mid-April, the Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply will begin inspecting selected North Hilo customers’ water service laterals.

Inspections will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays, and will start in Pāpaʻikou, followed by Pepe‘ekeo, Honomū, Hakalau and Ninole. Customers are being notified by mail if a water service lateral inspection is scheduled for their property.

The inspections are required to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Service laterals will be inspected for the type of material they are made of, and that information will be inventoried by the Department of Water Supply.

Although the county believes the potential to find lead or lead-containing service laterals is very low, should any be found, the department will inform customers about next steps.

Water service laterals are typically located underground and connect water mains to the water meters and then to the customer’s plumbing. The water meter box is often located along the roadway or in the sidewalk at the property boundary.

During inspections, staff and contractors will open water meter boxes to visually determine the lateral material and will conduct a visual inspection of the above-ground service lateral that enters the building. County officials ask residents to keep the area near their water meter box clear of parked vehicles and items to allow personnel to complete inspections efficiently.

DWS staff and contractors can be identified by ID badges and marked vehicles and will have appropriate safety equipment, officials stated. They will not ask for personal information or solicit money. Entrance into buildings will not be needed.

Please note that while your participation is completely optional, it is greatly encouraged and appreciated as part of this work to protect community health and safety.

For more information on the upcoming water service lateral inspections, contact the DWS at lcrr@hawaiidws.org or 808-961-8070 Ext. 3.