Big Island, Hawaiʻi – The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawaiʻi, is advising customers to prepare for potential impacts to their water service should Hawaiian Electric (HE) implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). Hawaiian Electric announced on Sunday, July 6, and updated this morning, that a “watch” condition for a PSPS remains in effect, indicating that power may be proactively shut off in communities at high risk of wildfire due to high winds and dry conditions impacting Hawaiʻi Island through 6 p.m. tonight.
The DWS relies on Hawaiian Electric’s power to operate its wells and booster pumps, which are essential for distributing water across the island. A PSPS outage could last anywhere from hours to days, depending on weather conditions, location, and the extent of any damage. An extended power outage could significantly diminish or deplete portions of the DWS’ water systems, potentially leaving customers with low pressure or no water at all.
Should Hawaiian Electric implement a PSPS, DWS anticipates needing to restrict or ration potable water for fire protection, drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene purposes only. Non-essential water uses, such as car washing and irrigation, would need to be suspended until all power and water systems return to normal conditions.
While DWS does utilize backup electrical generators at a limited number of well sites, these emergency generators cannot fully replicate Hawaiian Electric’s power grid. Therefore, DWS strongly urges customers, and anyone who depends on a continuous supply of DWS water, to review their personal situation and prepare accordingly. Customers should secure alternate sources of potable water and ensure they have enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service. Guidance on safely storing drinking water is available in the Water Emergency Preparedness guide online, found under the “Community” drop-down menu on the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org.
Future water messages regarding weather conditions and their potential impact on DWS customers, if needed, will be issued by DWS or the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency. To reach the DWS, customers can call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.