Beginning later this month, the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply (DWS) will begin inspecting selected North Hilo customers’ water service laterals.

The Inspections, which will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays, will start in Pāpaʻikou, followed by Pepe‘ekeo, Honomū, Hakalau, and Ninole.  Customers are being notified by mail if a water service lateral inspection is scheduled for their property.

The inspections are required to comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.  Service laterals will be inspected for the type of material they are made of, and that information will be inventoried by DWS.  Although DWS believes the potential to find lead or lead-containing service laterals is very low, should any be found, the Department will inform customers about next steps.

Water service laterals are typically located underground and connect watermains to the water meters and then to the customer’s plumbing.  The water meter box is often located along the roadway or in the sidewalk at the property boundary.  During inspections, DWS staff and contractors will open water meter boxes to visually determine the lateral material and will conduct a visual inspection of the above ground service lateral that enters the building.  

During the inspections, DWS staff and contractors can be identified by ID badges and marked vehicles and will have appropriate safety equipment.  They will not ask for personal information or solicit money.  Entrance into buildings will not be needed.

For more information on the upcoming inspections, contact the DWS at lcrr@hawaiidws.org or (808) 961-8070 Ext. 3.