Department of Water Supply issues precautionary water boil notice for Pāhala

Due to power outages and damage in the Pāhala water system caused by Hurricane Lala, Pāhala water customers must boil all water used for drinking and cooking until further notice.

According to the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Water Supply, water cannot be consumed without boiling it first. All tap water must be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then cooled before use.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Boiling destroys bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Alternatively, customers may add between one to eight drops of new, unscented liquid bleach with a strength of 5 to 6 percent, such as Clorox, to each gallon of water for disinfection. Fill a clean container with water, add the chlorine and let the water stand for at least 30 minutes before using. The water will have a slight chlorine odor.

The Department of Water Supply has activated the emergency generator at the Pāhala well site and will be conducting water quality testing to ensure the water is safe to drink. Customers may experience slightly discolored and turbid water for several hours after water service is restored and water lines are repressurized and flushed.

This boil-water notice will remain in effect until additional water quality testing is completed. For any questions, contact the Engineering Division at 808-961-8070 or the Water Quality Assurance and Control Branch at 808-961-8670.