Precautionary boil water notice remains in effect for Kaʻieʻie area on Big Island

A precautionary boil water notice for the Kaʻieʻie area in Papa‘ikou remains in effect after water sample testing over the weekend.

While the tests did not detect any bacteria, chlorine residuals and turbidity levels have not yet returned to normal, according to a news release from the Hawai‘i County Department of Water Supply.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the precautionary boil water notice remains in effect and DWS advises customers to boil all water if used for drinking and cooking purposes,” the release states. “Do not drink water without boiling it first.”

DWS has stationed a potable water tanker and spigots for the community’s use at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and Mill Road across from Kimura General Store.

DWS continues to monitor water quality and flush the system as appropriate. Customers will be notified when water quality conditions have returned to acceptable levels and the precautionary boil water notice can be canceled.

Bring all water used from the tap to a rolling boil for a minimum of one minute and let it cool before using. 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 1-8 drops of new, unscented liquid bleach with a strength of 5-6% (like 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.

For questions, contact the department’s Engineering Division at 808-961-8070 or the Water Quality Assurance and Control Branch at 808-961-8670. For after-hours calls or emergencies, call 808-961-8790.