Hawai‘i Island — The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is urging residents to take precautionary measures as a storm system is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the island this week. Anticipated power outages could disrupt water services, prompting the DWS to recommend that customers proactively prepare for potential interruptions.
As the DWS relies heavily on a stable electrical supply to ensure the delivery of safe drinking water, customers are advised to review their personal situations and stock up on essential resources ahead of the storm. Much of the electricity needed for water service is provided by Hawaiian Electric, which has also alerted its customers to the possibility of service interruptions.
“We want our customers to be ready for any scenario that may arise due to the storm,” said a DWS spokesperson. “Having sufficient water supplies on hand is crucial for everyone who depends on our service.” Residents are encouraged to set aside drinking water to meet basic needs during a possible power outage.
The Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) recommends that each person should have at least one gallon of water per day for a minimum of 14 days. This includes consideration for pets and livestock that also require water. To safely store water, residents should use clean, dedicated, food-grade containers. It is crucial to wash containers thoroughly, sanitize them with mild liquid chlorine bleach, and rinse well before filling them from the tap. Water that isn’t commercially bottled should be replaced every six months to ensure safety.
In the event of a disruption to the water supply, residents may need to follow a Boil Water Notice, which would advise them to boil tap water for at least one minute before use. Alternative methods of treating water include chemical disinfection with chlorine bleach, ensuring the appropriate concentration is used for safety.
During emergencies, the DWS advises residents to restrict water use to essential needs only, avoiding activities such as lawn watering and washing vehicles.
