Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply provides tips for storm preparation

The Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply is urging customers to get prepared as the first hurricane moves toward the Hawaiian Islands.

Hurricane Fausto is 1,950 east of Hilo, according to the National Weather Service Hurricane Center’s 5 a.m. update on Thursday. Impacts of the system are not yet known as the hurricane is still so far away.

In the meantime, the county states that approaching storms could interrupt electrical service needed to operate the Department of Water Supply’s equipment and deliver drinking water to homes, businesses, and other locations.

Customers who depend on a continuous supply of water should review their personal situations and set aside drinking water ahead of time to meet their essential needs in the event a prolonged power outage disrupts their DWS service.

Water preparation tips include:

• Determine Household Water Needs. Each person should have a minimum of one gallon of water per day for at least 14 days, according to the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA). Pets and livestock also require water.

• Store Water Safely. Use only clean, dedicated, food-grade containers. Wash containers thoroughly with dishwashing soap, sanitize using one teaspoon of mild liquid chlorine bleach per quart of water, and then rinse thoroughly. Fill containers from the tap, leaving as little air as possible. Store in a cool, dark area. Water that has not been commercially bottled should be replaced every six months, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

• Treat Drinking Water. During an emergency, it may be necessary for DWS to issue a Boil Water Notice due to water quality problems. Customers will be made aware of this via various communication channels. If this is necessary, instructions to treat water can be found on FEMA’s website.

• Restrict Water Use. During emergencies, restrict water use to essential uses only, such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation. No lawn watering, car/boating washing, etc.