KILAUEA – Due to the possibility that the water quality in portions of Kilauea may have been compromised, the Department of Water has issued an urgent notice to area residents as a precautionary measure, states a Thursday county press release.
KILAUEA – Due to the possibility that the water quality in portions of Kilauea may have been compromised, the Department of Water has issued an urgent notice to area residents as a precautionary measure, states a Thursday county press release.
Affected areas include: Kuhi‘o Highway from Wailapa Road to Kapuna Road; Huli and Waiakalua Road; and portions of Ko‘olau Road.
“Until we can confirm that the water quality has not been compromised, Department of Water customers in portions of Kilauea should not use their water for drinking or cooking,” said David Craddick, Department of Water manager and chief engineer.
He explained that water may have been introduced into the Department of Water system from an outside source that may have been caused by a cross connection.
This notice is in effect at least until noon tomorrow, Friday, May 20.
Residents are asked to notify their family, friends and neighbors that may be in the affected areas about this notice.
The Department of Water is flushing the affected portion of the Kilauea water system and conducting water quality tests. While the work is being done, the water levels may drop so affected customers should store water for toilet use.
The department recommends that customers with icemakers turn it off and discard the ice in the bin. In addition, those who use a water purification system should shut it off to avoid clogging the filter.
Water Buffalos (tankers) with clean water are being dispatched and will be located on Kuhi‘o Highway at Wailapa Road and Kapuna Road. Customers are asked to bring their own containers to transport the water to their homes.
Periodic updates will be sent out as the system is flushed and test results become available.
