DOW provides tips for severe weather preparation

LĪHUʻE – The Department of Water (DOW) reminds residents to follow water emergency preparedness guidelines and to stay informed about water service advisories that may be issued during emergencies. Natural disasters such as high winds and flooding can damage water facilities or disrupt power to water sources, leading to service interruptions. Unplanned damage or scheduled maintenance may also require temporary water service shutoffs. Residents should store the recommended amount of water in their emergency kits to meet their needs until service can be restored.

When needed, DOW issues advisories about possible water service or quality impacts.

Water Conservation Request

A water conservation request is typically issued to prevent water storage tanks from draining, thereby avoiding a full water system outage for that community.  During a water conservation request, customers are advised to limit their water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.  In addition, customers should also turn off plumbing fixtures that automatically draw water (irrigation, ice machines, etc.) for the duration of the conservation notice.

Do Not Drink (DND) Advisory

A Do Not Drink (DND) advisory is issued only if 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 DOW 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 (such as FDA-approved food-grade water storage containers). Do not use containers that previously stored questionable materials or food with strong odors (mayonnaise, pickles, etc.) as the water will pick up the odor during storage or are made of easily breakable materials such as glass.
• Disinfect containers. Wash containers thoroughly, then rinse them in a mild bleach solution (one capful of liquid bleach to one gallon of water), and then rinse thoroughly.
• Fill the 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 storage. You should boil water at a rolling boil for one to three minutes, let it cool down until it is slightly warm, fill the containers, then seal and store immediately. Liquid bleach may also be used to disinfect water that has not been boiled. Add one to eight drops of new, unscented liquid bleach with strength of 5-6 percent per gallon of water. Seal container and store immediately. For more information or questions about boiling or bleach disinfection, please call DOW’s Water Quality Division at 808-245-5457.

What to do in a storm

• Stay tuned to news reports.
• Immediately begin water conservation measures, using water sparingly. Water should be used for essentials: cooking, drinking and sanitation. Keep toilet flushing to a minimum.
• Collect rainwater to utilize for non-potable water needs. Do not drink rainwater.
• Turn off or disconnect any devices/fixtures that regularly draw water. Such devices include automatic icemakers and irrigation systems, etc.

What to do after a storm

• Stay tuned to news reports. DOW will update the public through the media and Kauaʻi County Alerts.
• Continue water conservation measures. After the storm has passed, the DOW will assess its water facilities. They will then send out a notice to the public if a 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  Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), the County’s emergency notification system. To sign up, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click “Notification Services.”  Monitor DOW water service updates online at www.kauaiwater.org

###