Updated at 6:57 a.m., Friday, December 21, 2007
Drought declaration canceled for Upcountry Maui
Advertiser Staff
WAILUKU — The Maui Board of Water Supply unanimously agreed today to support and recommend that the Department of Water Supply cancel the declaration of drought for Upcountry Maui, and continue the request for a voluntary 10 percent reduction in water consumption for customers whose water is supplied by the Central Maui Water System.The voluntary 10 percent reduction in water consumption is requested of all customers in Kahului, Wailuku, Waihe'e, Ma'alaea, Pa'ia/Kuau, Pu'unene, Kihei, Wailea and Makena.
The drought for the Central system was declared on Aug. 23 based on average daily water production of 28.3 million gallons per day for the month of July 2007.
Water Supply Director Jeffrey Eng targeted reduced production at 25.5 MGD for the Central system. For the week of Dec. 13 to 19, water production was down to 19.98 MGD. Although the Central system has achieved the goal of reduced consumption, the members of the Board of Water Supply recommended maintaining the voluntary reduction request in the interest of encouraging and promoting water conservation.
The drought for Upcountry was declared on June 12. Nonagricultural customers were required to reduce consumption by 10 percent; however, agricultural customers were exempt from the restrictions.
"I'm pleased that people in the affected communities took seriously the request to conserve water, and appreciate all their efforts," said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. "It remains important that everyone continues to conserve our most precious resource, even though the Upcountry restrictions have been lifted."
The following conditions existed as of yesterday morning:
Flows at the ditch were at 150.8 million gallons per day or 75.5 percent of capacity.
Facility production was 1.6 million gallons for the previous 24-hour period.
The reservoir contained 49.8 MG or 99.6 percent of capacity. Piiholo facility production was 2.1 MG.
The 30 MG Waikamoi Reservoirs are at 21.2 MG or 70.8 percent; the 100 MG Kahakapao reservoirs are at 97.6 percent.
Facility production was 1.5 MG. Total water consumption (including groundwater sources) for all of Upcountry was 6.1 MG.
Residents in all communities should continue to check for leaks, and residents utilizing water from the Central system should reduce their watering schedule by a day or two to achieve the 10 percent reduction. The Department of Water Supply Planning Division gives away free low-flow fixtures at the Hokama Building at 59 Kanoa St. in Wailuku. For information on the free fixtures, call 808-244-8550.
