N. Shore Issued Water Conservation Notice as Helicopter Crews Work to Fix Downed Powerline

An immediate water restriction between Wainiha to Hā‘ena remains in effect as Kauai Island Utility Cooperative addresses a power outage that has affected a county water pump station.

According to KIUC, Wainiha and Haena are out of power as the transmission line bringing power to the area is down. Crews are preparing to fly in to fix the line that is accessible only by helicopter. KIUC estimates power will be out all day as it makes the necessary repairs.

“Normally when there’s a small outage, we just send out a troubleshooter, but those outages might only last an hour or two,” stated KIUC officials. “Inclement weather can affect repair services here in a big way too, but today was a downed power line that has to be restored by a helicopter crew.”

KIUC states that power outages have affected the DOW pump site facility five times this year.

The county notified the public in a press release on Tuesday, July 12 about the immediate water conservation notice from Wainiha to Hā‘ena, advising customers to limit water use to essential needs only, such as drinking, cooking, and sanitation purposes, to avoid a full water service outage.

Previous power outages affected residents on the south and east sides hours before the current outage on the North Shore.

“An electrical power outage can affect the pump station’s ability to pump and refill storage facilities,” said the Department of Water noting the need to help keep water tank levels stable until power can be restored. “…In the event water tank levels are depleted, the system would experience a water outage.”

DOW confirmed the well site services are operating on backup generators to maintain water for customers.

The county is not in control of the power outage; however, a DOW operations team maintains contact with KIUC to help prepare systems accordingly.

Water conservation measures include turning off appliances and fixtures that automatically draw water such as ice machines and irrigation systems and refraining from car washing and other non-essential water uses.

To view the latest water service announcements, click here.