Precautionary boil water notice canceled for Wai’ōhinu-Nā‘ālehu Water System in Ka‘ū

The precautionary boil water notice for customers of the Wai’ōhinu-Nā‘ālehu Water System has been canceled.

After additional bacteriological testing of the water system was conducted, laboratory water analysis confirmed that coliform bacteria and other potential microbiological contaminants are not present in the system and that the water meets all regulatory drinking water quality requirements.

With the canceled boil water notice, customers can now resume normal use of tap water.

“It is no longer necessary to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, cooking, making ice, or brushing teeth,” according to a news release from the Department of Water Supply.

The department does recommend flushing buildings, residential taps, hose bibbs, water fountains, and ice makers for several minutes based on the extent of your plumbing before first use.

Approximately 98% of customers in the Nā‘ālehu–Wai’ōhinu water system have service.

The county Department of Water Supply said its top priority is restoring Mountain House Spring waterline, a critical source for the affected area, to the water system.

Repairs are expected to take approximately two months once the work begins based on current conditions and the anticipated scope of work. This includes restoration of access roads necessary to reach and repair damaged water system infrastructure; and replacement and repair of damaged waterlines, including pipelines up to 12 inches in diameter. The work is designed to improve their resilience to future heavy rainfall and flooding.

The water department also continues to address significant pipeline and road damage in the Wai‘ōhinu area. The county anticipates having the necessary materials on site by early next week, with repair work to begin soon thereafter.

Because of the extent of the damage, including washed-out roads, drainageways and waterlines, some repairs will require substantial construction and coordination.

For water quality questions, call the Department of Water Supply’s Water Quality Assurance and Control Branch at 808-961-8670.

Hurricane Lala recovery and infrastructure repair efforts in the Wai‘ōhinu–Nā‘ālehu water system remain ongoing.

For general Department of Water Supply information, call 808-961-8050 during normal business hours or email dws@hawaiidws.org. For after-hours emergencies, call 808-961-8790.