Stage 1 water shortage now in effect for Upcountry

Restrictions imposed on irrigation; water conservation requested

A Stage 1 water shortage is now in effect for customers in the Upcountry, Maui, service area, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply announced.

The Upcountry service area includes Makawao, Upper and Lower Kula, Haiʻkū, Hāliʻimaile, Pukalani, Kokomo, Kaupakalua, Ulumalu, Kēōkea, ʻUlupalakua and Kanaio.

Although the area has experienced recent rain, the rainfall is not sufficient to maintain adequate reservoir levels without the request for water conservation.

The department is asking all Upcountry customers to follow all water use restrictions to conserve water and protect our water resources. The following restrictions apply to all users, including County parks and facilities, commercial uses and multi-family units:

1. Irrigation is allowed for no more than two days per week according to the following schedule:

• Monday and Friday for even-numbered residential addresses.
• Tuesday and Saturday for odd-numbered residential addresses.
• Wednesday and Sunday for even-numbered commercial facilities and multi-family units.
• Monday and Thursday for odd-numbered commercial facilities and multi-family units.

2. Customers must repair any leaks, breaks or faulty sprinklers within five days of notice or notification to the extent feasible.

3. Existing pools shall not be emptied and refilled using potable water unless required for public health and safety purposes.

4. Filling or refilling ornamental ponds is prohibited. Ornamental ponds that sustain aquatic life and were actively managed prior to the shortage declaration are exempt.

The Department is also asking customers to apply the following voluntary conservation practices:

• Avoid washing vehicles unless using handheld containers, hoses with an automatic shut-off device or at a commercial car wash.
• Don't water vegetated areas in a manner that causes excessive runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street or gutter.
• Avoid watering vegetated areas within 48 hours of a measurable rainfall event.
• Limit irrigation of landscaped areas to the hours before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
• Hotels to offer their guests the option to not have their linens and towels laundered daily.
• Restaurants may only serve water upon requests from customers.

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