Big Island’s Water Supply department customers should prepare due to Red Flag Warning

Due to the Red Flag Warning today until 6 p.m., Hawai’i County’s Department of Water Supply said its customers also should be prepared in the event that Hawaiian Electric implements its Public Safety Power Shutoff to protect communities with high exposure to wildfire risks.

The department relies on Hawaiian Electric’s power to operate its wells and booster pumps to distribute water. While the department has backup generators at a limited number of well sites, they cannot fully replicate the power grid. 

An extended power outage could diminish or deplete portions of the island’s water systems and leave customers with low pressure or no water.  To prevent or delay this scenario from occurring, the department will likely need to restrict, or ration potable water for fire protection, drinking, cooking and personal hygiene purposes only. 

Car washing, irrigation and non-essential uses of water should be suspended until all power and water systems have been returned to normal conditions. 

The department urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of its water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly.  Customers should have alternate sources of potable water and enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts the department’s service. 

Ways to safely store drinking water are listed in the Water Emergency Preparedness guide available under the “Community” drop-down menu option on the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org. 

To reach the Department of Water Supply, call 808-961-8050 during normal business hours, 808-961-8790 for after-hour emergencies or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.