Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2001

Lihue urged to conserve water

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua‘i County Bureau

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The Department of Water yesterday called on Lih'e residents and businesses to reduce water use.

Water levels in wells serving the Lihu'e area are dropping as the result of dry weather and increased use.

"Year-to-date rainfall in Lihu'e is less than 50 percent of normal," the department said in a news release. The department called on water users to reduce consumption voluntarily.

Water Department manager Ernest Lau said other parts of the island are doing all right but dry weather has been more severe in Lihu'e, the county seat.

"It's been drier than normal since December of 1997, and we've seen some of the water levels falling in wells the U.S. Geological Survey monitors for us," he said.

No specific recommendations about water use, such as limits on car washing or lawn watering, were issued. Lau said he hopes that such guidelines will not be needed. The department plans a summerlong program of conservation notices to keep the issue in the public eye.

Residents of the Wailua area responded well with voluntary conservation during recent water shortages in their neighborhoods.

Residents with questions may call the Department of Water at (808) 245-5400.