The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, urges its customers to prepare for storms that could interrupt electrical service needed to operate DWS’ equipment and deliver drinking water to their homes, businesses, and other locations.
Hurricane Kiko is forecast to approach Hawai‘i Island early to the middle of next week, according to a September 5 morning update from the National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_ep1.shtml?key_messages.
DWS strongly urges its customers and those who depend on a continuous supply of water to review their personal situations and set aside drinking water ahead of time to meet their essential needs in the event of a prolonged power outage that disrupts DWS service.
North Kohala customers currently under an Essential Needs Only water restriction due to a recent well failure should anticipate water service disruptions and plan accordingly should a power outage affect their area.
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) 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 …