Low water levels prompt cutoff warning

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii County warned residents Wednesday of the possibility of being cut off from the water supply temporarily after tank levels declined in the past few days.

The tanks service the general area between the Makalei Fire Station to just south of the Palani Road and the Mamalahoa Highway junction. These areas include, but are not limited to, Makalei Estates, Kona Hills, Palisades, Wainani/Lokahi Makai, Kaiminani Drive (including all side streets), Kona Acres and Hina Lani Drive, including all side streets.

“Without everyone’s continued cooperation, there will be areas that will experience periodic loss of water service or lower water pressures,” a release from county said Wednesday. “All residents and customers in North Kona must continue to restrict water use to health and safety needs — drinking, cooking and hygiene purposes.”

DWS noted appreciation for the community’s continued efforts to restrict water use during this time. As such, limited hand watering of precious plants, on occasion, is still acceptable using the following best practices:

• Water at night to reduce evaporation.

• Use of County’s free mulch to preserve moisture around plants.

• Visit the County’s website at: http://www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/greenwaste/ for more information.

• Use of rainwater from downspouts for plants.

• Do not over-water plants.

• Use of sprinklers (manual or automatic) for lawns and grass areas is still prohibited.

Five of North Kona’s wells are out of service and in the process of being repaired. The water restrictions have been in place since the beginning of the year and are expected to be lifted at the end of the year.

Info: www.hawaiidws.org. To report any observed wasteful use of water, call 961-8060 during normal business hours or email dws@hawaiidws.org. For after-hour emergencies call us at 961-8790.