Drinking Water Preparedness

Drinking Water Preparedness

The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, urges its customers and the community to be drinking water prepared.  Hawai‘i Island is forecasted to be impacted by severe weather this week that could disrupt both DWS’ water infrastructure and the island’s electrical grid needed to operate DWS’ water systems, private community water systems, and private water catchment systems.  DWS urges Hawai‘i Island residents to review and prepare for their potable water needs ahead of any forecasted adverse weather that could result in a prolonged power outage or water-service disruption.

Water 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). 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 commercially bottled should be replaced every six months, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

• Treat Drinking Water.  During an emergency, it may be necessary for DWS to issue a Boil Water Notice due to water quality problems. Customers will be made aware of this via various communication channels.  If this is necessary, instructions to treat water can be found on FEMA’s website.

• Restrict Water Use.  During emergencies, restrict water use to essential uses only such as drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.  No lawn watering, car/boating washing, etc.