Department of Water Supply Urges Customers to Prepare for Possible Service Interruptions Due to Expected Heavy Rains, Winds

Department of Water Supply Urges Customers to Prepare for
Possible Service Interruptions Due to Expected Heavy Rains, Winds
The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is urging its customers to prepare for
possible interruptions to the electrical utility and subsequently their water service that could result
from a storm system anticipated to bring heavy rains and winds to Hawai‘i Island this week.
DWS requires a significant amount of dependable electricity to deliver an adequate and continuous
supply of safe drinking water to all customers. Much of this electricity is supplied by Hawaiian
Electric, which is directing its customers to prepare for possible power outages
https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/about-us/newsroom.
DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of water to review
their personal situations and prepare accordingly by setting aside drinking water ahead of time to meet
essential needs during a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service. Also recommended is to
have alternate sources of potable water for emergency use.
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, according to the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA)
https://dod.hawaii.gov/hiema/public-resources/preparedness-information/. 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. Water that has not been commercial bottled should be replaced every six months, according
to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which offers more information at
www.ready.gov/water.
… Water, Our Most Precious Resource…Ka Wai A Kāne … The Department of Water Supply is an Equal Opportunity provider and employer.

DEPA RTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY • COUNT Y OF HAWAI ‘I
3 4 5 K E K Ū A N A Ō ‘ A S T R E E T , S U I T E 2 0 • H I L O , H A W A I ‘ I 9 6 7 2 0
T E L E P H O N E ( 8 0 8 ) 9 6 1 – 8 0 5 0 • F A X ( 8 0 8 ) 9 6 1 – 8 6 5 7
E M A I L : dws@hawaiidws.org • W W W . H A W A I I D W S . O R G
• 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 improve taste by
adding oxygen. Chemical disinfection is another safe way of disinfecting water. Disinfect water by
adding 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 8-10 drops) of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. (Make sure
that the bleach contains a 5%-9% concentration of sodium hypochlorite.) Stir and let stand for 30
minutes. If the water does not have a slight chlorine taste, repeat the dosage, and let stand for 15
minutes. If the water from the tap appears discolored or appears suspicious otherwise, do not use it
until it has been treated properly for its intended use. Disinfecting with chlorine bleach will not
remove pesticides, petroleum products or other chemicals from water. See www.ready.gov/water.
• 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.
• Stay Informed. Sign up for free Hawai‘i County Civil Defense alerts at:
▪ https://member.everbridge.net/index/371914103062563#/signup or
www.hawaiicounty.gov/departments/civil-defense.
▪ 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, www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/, and @hawaiidws.
▪ Learn more tips about disaster preparedness by visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s (EPA) website, https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.