PRECAUTIONARY BOIL WATER NOTICE ISSUED FOR TWO KAʻŪ WATER SYSTEMS

HONOLULU - Two rural public water systems in the Kaʻū district of Hawaiʻi Island are advising their customers of a precautionary boil water notice. Customers who are served by the Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC Public Water System or Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op Public Water System should not drink or use the water from their faucets without boiling it first.

Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC, serves about 200 part- and full-time customers along Alahaki and Ninole roads in the Punaluʻu area. The Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op serves about 100 customers in Wood Valley.

Both water systems sustained heavy damage caused by Hurricane Lala, losing pressure in distribution lines. While both systems report that alternative sources of water are available, the precautionary advisories address any water in the distribution system that may have been compromised due to the flood water inundation. While water system testing has not been completed due to post-storm conditions, a precautionary notice is being issued because of the damage incurred to the distribution lines.

Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC and Wood Valley Water and Farm Co-op customers should bring all water from their faucets to a boil, let it boil for three minutes and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.Boiled water, bottled water, or water from an alternate source should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, washing hands, making baby formula and food preparation until further notice. Boiling tap water kills bacteria and other organisms that may be introduced by damage to the water system.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is assisting the water systems with public notification, as well as supporting Punaluʻu Water and Sanitation, LLC with requesting bulk supplies of potable water for its customers. The water purveyors are expected to inform customers about the availability of bulk water and how to access it. DOH will also provide the information through its social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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