Maui County has declared a “stage 2” water shortage for West Maui, requiring an end to all nonessential water for commercial and industrial uses and limiting irrigation to no more than one day a week.
County officials said in a news release that a stage 2 water shortage is triggered when the Director of Water Supply projects anticipates water demand will exceed the available water supply by 16% to 30%.
Honokohau Stream flow is low, said county officials, while the inflow to Mahinahina Water Treatment Facility is zero. Additionally, the U.S. drought monitor forecasts “D-2” severe drought conditions will continue, officials said.
All of these factors, officials said, support the decision to upgrade to a stage 2 water shortage for West Maui.
According to the county release, the following water use restrictions apply to West Maui water consumers:
>> All nonessential water use for commercial and industrial use should cease.
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>> Irrigation is allowed for no more than one day a week, according to the following schedule: Wednesday for even-numbered residential addresses; Thursday for odd-numbered residential addresses Friday for even-numbered commercial facilities and multifamily units; Saturday for even-numbered commercial facilities and multifamily units.
>> Plant containers, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens may be watered one additional day using only drip irrigation.
>> Customers must repair leaks, breaks or faulty sprinklers within three days of notice or notification to the extent feasible.
>> The use of potable water at temporary construction meters is prohibited.
>> Personal washing of vehicles is prohibited.
>> Parks, school grounds and recreation fields adhere to the one day a week irrigation schedule.
>> Agricultural water customers are required to reduce water consumption by 20%.
“The Department will continue to watch supply and demand, and the weather forecast to determine when the stage 2 water shortage can end or if a stage 3 water shortage must be declared,” officials said in the news release.