HomeMy WebLinkAboutDOWNR03112021DOWshareswateremergencypreparednesstipsandstandardserviceadvisoryreminders
NEWS RELEASE
DEPARTMENT OF WATER, COUNTY OF KAUA`I
MEDIA CONTACT: JONELL KAOHELAULI’I, INFORMATION & EDUCATION SPECIALIST
245-5461| JKAOHELAULII@KAUAIWATER.ORG | FACEBOOK: @KAUAIDOW
For immediate release:
March 11, 2021
DOW shares water emergency preparedness tips
and standard service advisory reminders
LIHUE –The Department of Water (DOW) reminds residents of water emergency preparedness tips and water
service advisories that may be issued during an emergency or severe weather event.
DOW’s mission is to provide customers with safe, affordable, sufficient drinking water service through wise
management of our resources. Therefore, when necessary, DOW issues specific water service advisories to
notify customers of possible impact to water service or the safe water quality that customers have come to
trust. To provide a better understanding of these advisories, the following information will help to prepare for
customer action before and during an emergency:
Water Conservation Notice
A water conservation notice is typically issued to help prevent water storage tanks from draining; causing a
water system outage. Customers are advised to limit water use to essential needs only; such as: drinking,
cooking and sanitation needs. In addition, customers should also turn-off plumbing fixtures that automatically
draw water (irrigation, ice machines, etc.) until the conservation notice has been lifted.
Do Not Drink (DND) Advisory
A DND advisory is typically issued when the quality of the water may be compromised. During a DND Advisory
customers are advised not to consume tap water until further notice. This includes: drinking, making ice,
brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Tap water should not be consumed until the Department
of Water has officially announced it is safe to do so.
How to store water
To store water properly, you should:
• Use clean containers, preferably those designed for water storage. Do not use containers that stored
questionable materials or food with strong odors (mayonnaise, pickles, etc.) as the water will pick up
the odor during storage.
• Disinfect containers. Wash containers thoroughly, then rinse it in a mild bleach solution (one capful of
liquid bleach to one gallon of water), and then rinse thoroughly.
• Fill container with water from the tap. Fill the container to the top, keeping a minimal amount of air
between the water and the cap. Store it in a cool, dark place.
• Optional – Boiling or bleach disinfection. If you prefer, you can boil water before storing it. You should
boil the water at a rolling boil for 1 to 3 minutes, let it cool down until it is slightly warm, fill the
containers, and then seal and store immediately. Liquid bleach may also be used to disinfect water that
Water has no substitute…Conserve it!
has not been boiled. Add 1 to 8 drops of new, unscented liquid bleach with strength of 5% to 6% (like
Clorox) per gallon of water. Seal and store immediately. For questions about boiling or bleach
disinfection, please call DOW’s Water Quality Division at 245-5446.
What to do in a storm
Severe weather conditions; such as high winds, flooding, can affect DOW’s water facilities. If this occurs, the
following should be implemented:
• Stay tuned to news reports.
• During an electrical power outage keep water use to an absolute minimum. In the event of a power
outage, the DOW may shut off valves and isolate tanks to reduce risk of damage and water loss. If this
occurs, water service will be restored as soon as it is safe for personnel to go out and make the repairs.
• Immediately begin water conservation measures. Use water sparingly. Water should be used for
essential uses only; such as cooking, drinking and sanitation needs. Keep toilet flushing to a minimum.
o Collect rain water to utilize for non-potable water needs. Do not drink rain water.
o Turn off or disconnect any devices or fixtures that regularly draw water. Such devices include
automatic icemakers and irrigation systems.
What to do After the Storm
• Stay tuned to news reports. The DOW will update the public on the status of the water system,
including any warranted drinking water quality advisories through the media and BlackBoard Connect
CTY. Service announcements are also posted on DOW’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW.
• Continue water conservation measures. After the storm has passed, DOW will need to conduct
assessment of its water facilities. Water conservation is needed in order to avoid a water outage, in
case there are damages to our system. The DOW will send out a notice to the public when the water
conservation request has been lifted.
The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) recommends storing one gallon of water, per person, per
day for at least fourteen days for drinking and sanitation purposes, as part of an emergency preparedness kit.
Residents are also advised to sign-up for the County of Kaua`i’s BlackBoard Connect CTY notification service at
www.kauai.gov/KEMA or call the Kauai Emergency Management Agency at 241-1800.
###