Stage 1 water shortage in Upcountry Maui

CONTINUATION OF STAGE 1 WATER SHORTAGE

The Department of Water Supply (DWS) is continuing its declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage in the Upcountry district due to reduced surface water flow and an ongoing dry weather forecast for the summer and fall.  The Stage 1 water shortage became effective Tuesday, July 18, 2017.  At Stage 1, the water rates remain the same.

By law, the Director of Water Supply, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to declare a water shortage whenever the water supply becomes inadequate in any area in the County due to a period of drought, an infrastructure or mechanical malfunction, natural disaster, or other event causing a water shortage.  A Stage 1 water shortage exists if the Director determines that anticipated water demand in an area is projected to exceed available water supply by one to fifteen percent.

Due to the declaration of a Stage 1 water shortage, all Upcountry water consumers are asked to conserve water and to avoid any unnecessary water use until further notice.  Water conservation measures taken now could prevent the progression to a Stage 2 or 3 water shortage.

Some friendly tips on conserving water are as follows:

· Kitchen tips: Use a brush and bowl of water to clean food instead of letting the water run.

· Be efficient in the shower and bath.  If you run water to get it hot, catch cold water in a bucket for later use.

· Bathroom tips:  Flush the toilet only when necessary.  Don’t use the toilet to dispose of trash.

· Swimming pool tips: Don’t overfill pools and hot tubs.  This helps reduce splashing and spilling and decreases the use of water.

· Install low-flow fixtures by obtaining free low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, toilet bags, and hose nozzles from the DWS Water Resources & Planning Division office.

Visit the office at One Main Plaza, Suite 102, Wailuku (corner of Vineyard and Main Street, enter from the sidewalk) or call the Division at 463-3110. Business hours are from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

The Department of Water Supply thanks its customers for its cooperation and understanding.  For general information, visit www.mauiwater.org.