Maui County taps into backup water reserves to sustain Upcountry demand. Beginning today, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) will switch to using water from the backup Hamakuapoko Wells 1 and 2 for the Upcountry water system. This move, greenlit by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, aims to address the growing water scarcity affecting residents of Upper and Lower Kula, Makawao, Pukalani, Hāliʻimaile, and Haʻikū.
For residents worried about water quality, the DWS assured that regular testing is in place to keep the water within the health codes. According to a report by Maui County, "Maui County Code requires scheduled water quality sampling for the well water," and results are regularly reviewed to meet the stringent state Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.
The switch to the wells comes in response to the dual challenges posed by a lack of ample surface water and unfavorable environmental conditions. The Piʻiholo reservoir, crucial to the Upcountry system, has suffered from significantly reduced surface water inflow. This situation has been worsened by drier-than-average temperatures and a forecast indicating continued dry conditions, with insufficient rainfall expected to meet the island's needs.
Looking ahead, the DWS stated they will continue to closely monitor drought conditions and rely on backup wells as long as necessary. The latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that most of Maui is experiencing moderate to severe drought. According to the National Weather Service, below-normal precipitation is forecast across all Hawaiian islands this month, further straining the already limited water supply.
For continuous coverage of this developing story and information on how water supply changes may affect residents, follow updates from the County of Maui and related environmental forecasts.
