The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply (DWS) is reminding customers to prepare for two developing storms and adverse weather that could interrupt their water service.
Tropical Storm Hone is expected to bring heavy rains and winds during the weekend, while Hurricane Gilma continues to intensify as a major hurricane as it heads toward Hawai‘i Island, according to the latest advisories from the National Hurricane Center and the Central Pacific Hurricane Center https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/?cpac.
DWS requires a significant amount of dependable electricity to deliver a reliable supply of safe drinking water to all customers. Natural disasters and public safety measures taken in response to them can disrupt electrical service and impact water quality or supply.
DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of water to review their personal situations and prepare accordingly. Customers should have alternate sources of potable water and enough supply to meet their essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service.
Preparation tips include:
- Determine Household Water Needs. Each person should have a minimum of one gallon of water per day for at least 14 days. Pets and livestock also require water.
- Store Water Safely. Use only clean, dedicated, food-grade containers. Wash containers thoroughly with dishwashing soap, sanitize using one teaspoon of mild liquid chlorine bleach per quart of water, and then rinse thoroughly. Fill containers from the tap, leaving as little air as possible. Store in a cool, dark area.
- Treat Drinking Water. During an emergency, it may be necessary for DWS to issue a Boil Water Notice instructing customers to boil their tap water for at least one minute, allow it to cool, and store in a sterilized container. Pouring water back and forth between clean containers will
- Restrict Water Use. Extend limited supplies by restricting water during emergencies. Use water only for essential drinking and sanitation needs. No lawn watering, car/boating washing, etc.
The Department of Water Supply will post system updates, availability of emergency supplies provided by mobile water wagons, and other important information at www.hawaiidws.org and www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/.
Hawai‘i’s hurricane season runs through November 30.