Essential Use Only REMINDER for Pāpa‘ikou-Area Customers
AFFECTED AREAS: PĀPA‘IKOU, PUUEOPAKU, PAUKA‘A, HONOLI‘I; SOUTH HILO, HAWAI‘I
This is a Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, reminder for Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The Essential Uses Only notice remains in effect for all Department of Water Supply customers in the affected areas. Tap water should be used only for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene. Nonessential uses are currently prohibited due to the breakdown of the Pāpa‘ikou well.
DWS estimates that the Pāpa‘ikou well repair will take about two to three weeks to complete. Until then, limiting water use to essential needs only will conserve the water in DWS’ tank until the essential uses only notice can be cancelled.
DWS continues hauling water to Pāpa‘ikou tank to refill and maintain water storage. DWS has stationed a potable water tanker for the community’s use at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway (HWY 19) and Mill Road across from Kimura General Store. People filling up from the water tanker are reminded to use only clean containers to transport drinking water.
DWS sincerely apologizes for this inconvenience and appreciates the public’s cooperation and understanding as crews work to maintain water service and complete the well repairs.
For more information and updates, please visit www.hawaiidws.org or contact the Department of Water Supply at 808-961-8790.
This is your Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply.