Status report on Maui’s water supply.

According to Maui Department of Water Supply Administrative Officer Jacky Takakura, Central production demand is up and for the past month, customers have kept water usage at approximately 25 MG. However, this week’s production demand increased to 26.16 MG, which is unusual considering the rains that have fallen over the past week.

Inflows to Upcountry reservoirs have increased total available storage to 165.4 MG, out of a total capacity of 180 MG. According to Takakura, “This is good news, considering this is normally a dry time of year.” The Olinda Water Treatment Facility will be back in service on Friday, Aug.15, to provide water to Upper Kula and Ulupalakua customers.

The department is working on reducing unnecessary water waste through leak detection program, upgrading of antiquated equipment and installation of flow meters to track demand. “I ask our customers to reduce unnecessary water waste, too, by investing in low-flow or Energy Star appliances, fixing leaks right away, and of course, turning off irrigation systems when it rains,” said Takakura.