Water Emergency Preparedness

High winds and/or flooding can disrupt the electrical power to our island’s water sources. Water quality and availability may be impacted. Residents should be prepared with an emergency preparedness kit in place.

How To Prepare for a Water Emergency

• Have a battery or emergency radio.
• Store enough water for you and your family. It is recommended that you store at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day for at least 14 days, for essentials. See “How to Store Water” for instructions.

How To Store Water

• 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 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.
• Label containers as “drinking water” with storage date. Water in containers should be replaced every six months.
• 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 245-5446.

What To Do During the Storm

In the event of a power outage, DOW may shut off valves and isolate tanks to reduce risk of damage and water loss.

• 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 the 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 when the water conservation request has been lifted.

Stay Informed

Sign-up now for Kauai County Alerts to be notified of emergency weather updates and important water service announcements. To sign-up, visit www.kauai.gov/KEMA and click on “Notification Services.”