Updated at 3:57 p.m., Saturday, October 21, 2006
Waikoloa Reservoirs being drained on Big Island
Advertiser Staff
Federal and state officials are draining two reservoirs on the Big Island after inspectors found leaks caused by Sunday's earthquakes.The draining of Waikoloa Reservoirs 1 and 2, above Waimea in South Kohala, started about 7 last night, according to Hawaii County Civil Defense.
State Civil Defense said the two reservoirs are 50 million gallons each and may be drained completely. A third 50-million-gallon reservoir is sound and will not be drained, officials said.
Officials said the reservoirs pose no threat to the community. Engineers will continue to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, the Hawaii Department of Water Supply said the draining of the reservoirs will not cause water shortages in Waimea.
