WAILUKU – Due to lack of rainfall, the Department of Water Supply is requesting consumers in the Upcountry and West Maui areas to conserve water.

Consumers are urged to use water only as needed for health and safety purposes in order to extend the available supply until dry weather conditions pass.

The Hawaii Drought Monitor lists most of Maui as abnormally dry, with parts of Maui County in a moderate drought.

In West Maui, current ditch flows are adequate, but they could also drop quickly as rainfall declines. The West Side has treatment plants at Lahaina and Mahinahina with much less storage capacity than Upcountry. Any reduction in rainfall affects source water much more quickly.

The Department of Water Supply is asking the public to voluntarily conserve water to reduce consumption during these dry times. This allows water supplies to be extended as much as possible. If dry conditions continue, the department may need to require mandatory water use restrictions.

Conservation measures include refraining from washing cars and irrigating lawns, and reducing other non-essential uses of water.

With the dry summer months here, this is a good time for consumers to evaluate their water usage habits and implement long-term conservation measures, such as fixing leaks and installing low-flow water fixtures.

Other ideas for saving water are available at www.mauiwater.org. The Department of Water Supply appreciates the public’s cooperation.

For more information, contact Laura Seaton at 270-8046 or laura.seaton@co.maui.hi.us.