North and South Kohala……Department of Water Supply to Inspect Selected Kohala Customers’ Water Service Laterals
Department of Water Supply to Inspect Selected
Kohala Customers’ Water Service Laterals
The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, will begin inspecting selected Kohala
customers’ water service laterals on Monday, July 29. Inspections will start in Waimea, followed by
Puakō, nearby resort areas, Kawaihae, Makapala, Hāwī, Hala‘ula, and Niuli‘i. Work will occur from
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. weekdays, excluding holidays. 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. We respectfully ask for your assistance in keeping the
area near your water meter box clear of parked vehicles and items to allow personnel to complete
inspections efficiently.
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.
Please note that while your participation is completely optional, it is greatly encouraged and
appreciated as part of this work to protect community health and safety.
For more information on the upcoming water service lateral inspections, please contact the DWS at
lcrr@hawaiidws.org or (808) 961-8070 Ext. 3.
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