Hawai‘i County offers tips on drinking water preparedness ahead of incoming storm

The Department of Water Supply urges its customers and the community to have drinking water on hand ahead of inclement weather headed to the Big Island this week.

Hawai‘i Island is forecasted to be impacted by severe weather starting Wednesday that could disrupt both the county’s water infrastructure and the island’s electrical grid needed to operate the Department of Water Supply’s water systems, private community water systems, and private water catchment systems, according to a news release from the Department of Water Supply.

A flood watch is currently in place for the state, starting Wednesday through Friday afternoon.

The county is urging residents to review and prepare for their potable water needs ahead of any forecasted adverse weather that could result in a prolonged power outage or water-service disruption.

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. 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 the county 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 personal hygiene. No lawn watering, car/boating washing, etc.