The Maui News

West Maui residents from Puamana to Mahinahina are being asked to conserve water due to the dry conditions that have reduced water flows by 500,000 gallons a day each at the two treatment plants, the county Department of Water Supply said Tuesday.

The recent dry weather and record high temperatures have caused low raw water flows in the ditch intakes for both the Mahinahina and Lahaina water treatment facilities. Production at both facilities is limited, the water department said.

Both normally handle 2 million gallons a day each but their production is down to 1.5 mgd each, said Deputy Water Director Helene Kau.

Customers are asked to conserve water when possible to ensure available supply until weather conditions change. The department did not specify the types of voluntary conservation measures.

Kau said the water shortage levels had not reached Stage 1, which remains in place Upcountry. The water director can declare a Stage 1 shortage, with the approval of the mayor, if anticipated water demand in an area is projected to exceed available water supply by 1 to 15 percent. The voluntary declaration calls for reduction of 10 percent by customers.

She also noted that the Kaanapali and Kapalua resorts have their own water systems.

If a water problem occurs, customers may call the 24-hour service line at 270-7633.