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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, October 28, 2008

KULA
Two reservoirs nearly dry, so officials juggle sources

Beginning today, the Maui County Department of Water Supply will reduce production at the Olinda Water Treatment Facility because the Upper Kula reservoirs are nearly empty.

The 30-million-gallon Waikamoi Reservoir has only 1.1 million gallons and the 100-million-gallon Kahakapao Reservoir is at 27.1 million gallons, the agency said.

The Olinda facility will produce only enough water to provide for customers in the Olinda area. Normal production is approximately 1.3 million gallons per day, and production will be reduced to approximately 100,000 gallons per day.

The Kamole Water Treatment Facility in Hali'imaile, the Pi'iholo facility and the Po'okela Well in Makawao will provide water for customers on the Upper Kula water system who would normally get their water from Olinda. By Friday, these customers may notice a change in water quality because the water coming from the lower elevations is disinfected with chlorine, the Water Supply Department said.

The Olinda facility utilizes chloramines for disinfection, which does not have a chlorine smell. Olinda residents will continue to receive water disinfected with chloramines. The water meets all federal and state water quality standards, the department said.