Notice of Declaration - Upcountry Water Shortage Downgraded to Stage 2

NOTICE OF DECLARATION UPCOUNTRY WATER SHORTAGE DOWNGRADED TO STAGE 2

Pursuant to Chapter 14.06A, Maui County Code, the Department of Water Supply of the County of Maui hereby provides notice that the Stage 2 water shortage for water consumers in the Upcountry, Maui service area has been downgraded to Stage 2. The Upcountry Maui service area includes Makawao, Upper and Lower Kula, Haiku, Haliimaile, Pukalani, Kokomo, Kaupakalua, Ulumalu, Keokea, Ulupalakua, and Kanaio. Upcountry Maui is experiencing continued dry weather and lack of rainfall.

The Director of Water Supply, with the approval of the Mayor, is authorized to declare a water shortage whenever the water supply becomes inadequate in any area in the County due to a period of drought, an infrastructure or mechanical malfunction, natural disaster, or other event causing a water shortage. A Stage 2 water shortage exists if the Director determines that anticipated water demand in an area is projected to exceed available water supply by sixteen to thirty percent. Recent rains have provided much needed relief to the Upcountry area. Currently, the water levels of the storage reservoirs are now at a level in which the current water shortage can be downgraded to Stage 2. The before mentioned rains, current storage reservoir and surface water levels, and the decrease in water demand, all support the decision to downgrade to the Stage 2 Water Shortage.

When a water shortage is declared, the Director may apply schedules, restrictions, or measures as follows: 1) Prohibit water usage during certain hours or days of the week; 2) Prohibit the use of water for irrigation, lawns, personal washing of vehicles, or other nonessential activities; 3) Prohibit the use of temporary construction meters; and 4) Institute water shortage rates as set forth in the annual budget. Failure of a water customer to comply with any mandated water restriction may result in penalties, including a fine of $500 for each violation and removal of the water meter for subsequent violations.

Currently, for all Upcountry, Maui water consumers the following water use restrictions apply:

1. All nonessential water use for commercial and industrial use should cease.

2. Irrigation is allowed one day per week according to the following schedule:

• Monday - Makawao and Haliimaile

• Tuesday - Haiku, Kokomo, and Ulumalu

• Wednesday - Pukalani

• Thursday - Upper Kula

• Friday - Lower Kula

• Saturday - Ulupalakua, Kanaio and Keokea

• Sunday - All remaining Upcountry areas not mentioned

3. Customers must repair leaks, breaks or faulty sprinklers within three days of notice or notification to the extent feasible.

4. The use of potable water at temporary construction meters is prohibited.

5. Personal washing of vehicles is prohibited.

6. Parks, school grounds and recreation fields adhere to the one day a week irrigation schedule.

The Stage 1 water shortage notification was effective as of April 17, 2025. The water shortage was upgraded to Stage 2 effective September 11, 2025, and upgraded to a Stage 3 water shortage October 17, 2025. The Upcountry water shortage is being downgraded to a Stage 2 effective October 28, 2025.

At this time there are no changes to the water shortage rates for all other users, however, rates may increase as set forth in the annual budget if the Stage 2 continues or a Stage 3 water shortage must be declared.

Agricultural water customers are subject to the same water usage restrictions as other customers following the conclusion of the 180-day grace period that began with the Stage 1 declaration on April 17, 2025.

The Department will continue to watch supply and demand, and the weather forecast to determine when the Stage 2 water shortage can end or if a Stage 3 water shortage must be reinitiated.

For additional information, please contact the Water Department at (808) 463-3110.

By: ________________________________

John Stufflebean, P.E.

Director

Department of Water Supply