DOW on schedule to complete Kalāheo well repairs

The Department of Water (DOW) announced that it is on schedule to complete the full restoration of Kalāheo’s deep wells

“We are currently three weeks into our estimated four to six week timeline to complete the repairs,” said Kirk Saiki, DOW’s acting manager and chief engineer. “We anticipate completion within these final three weeks.”

Since removing the 900-foot-long shafts from Kalāheo Well 1 and Well 2, DOW officials and contractors have been working on repairs to both wells simultaneously.

Officials expect the replacement parts for Well 2 to arrive on Kaua‘i by next week. It should take another one to two weeks for the DOW and contractors to install, disinfect, and test the pump and water to ensure compliance with drinking water quality standards.

In the meantime, the DOW is servicing its Kalāheo customers through a temporary low-capacity submersible pump installed in Well 1, a temporary pipeline, and a booster pump. All of these temporary installations are currently providing supplemental water service to the Kalāheo area.

However, to ensure that the temporary installations are able to provide water to all Kalāheo  residents, it is still necessary to continue water conservation measures until full repairs and reinstallations are completed.

Essential uses include cooking, bathing, toilet flushing, and necessary laundry washing. Residents are asked to refrain from car washing, and to turn off automatic sprinklers and outdoor irrigation systems.

Water buffalos for essential uses are located before the entrance to Kukuiolono Park and on Milia Street in Kakela Makai. A water tanker with non-drinkable water is located at Kalāheo Neighborhood Center. If you are unable to access the water buffalos or tanker, please call 245-5455.

The DOW thanks the public for their patience, understanding and cooperation in continuing water conservation measures.

The DOW will continue to update the public via Connect CTY notification service. To sign up for this service or to edit your current account, visit www.kauai.gov or call Civil Defense at 241-1800.

Updates will also be posted as new information is learned on the DOW and the County of Kaua‘i Facebook pages, www.facebok.com/KauaiDOW and www.facebook.com/countyofkauai.

For more information, please call the Department of Water at 245-5455.