Upper Kula water change due to drought

WAILUKU — Effective Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Department of Water Supply will reduce production at the Olinda Water Treatment Facility (WTF) due to the near-empty conditions of the Upper Kula reservoirs.      The 30 million gallon (MG) Waikamoi Reservoir has 1.1 MG and the 100 MG Kahakapao Reservoir is at 27.1 MG.       

The Kamole WTF in Hali'imaile, Piiholo WTF in Makawao and Po’okela Well in Makawao will provide water for customers on the Upper Kula water system.     

The Olinda facility will only produce enough water to provide for customers in the Olinda area. Normal production is approximately 1.3 MGD. Production will be reduced to approximately 0.1 MGD (100,000 gallons per day).     

By Friday, Upper Kula customers may notice a change in water quality because the water coming from the lower elevations is disinfected with chlorine, DWS reported.       

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.