Boil Water Alert Issued for North Shore Amid Water System Concerns
Boil Water Notice Issued for Several Areas in Waialua
Residents in several areas of Waialua, Haleiwa, Sunset, Pupukea, and Waialee, extending up to Turtle Bay, are currently under a boil water notice. This directive was issued by the City and County of Honolulu due to potential damage to the water system caused by the second Kona low. The notice remains in effect until further notice.
Water users in these areas are advised to boil any water drawn from the tap before consuming it. Officials emphasize that drinking unboiled water could pose health risks. Boiling is recommended to destroy harmful bacteria and other microbes. The process involves bringing the water to a “vigorous rolling boil” and maintaining that boil for three minutes.
The Board of Water Supply (BWS) will communicate when the boil water notice can be lifted. Until then, residents must adhere to the guidelines to ensure their safety.
Emergency Water Distribution Set Up
To assist residents who may not have access to safe water, the BWS has arranged for water tankers in key locations:
- Two 2,000-gallon tankers will be stationed at the Waialua Community Association and the Sunset Beach Neighborhood Park.
- An additional water tanker will be placed at the Waialua District Park Recreation Center parking lot on Goodale Avenue.
These efforts aim to provide essential water to those affected by the current situation.
Call for Water Conservation
In addition to the boil water notice, the city is urging residents to conserve water. Power outages have impacted the utility’s ability to pump water from wells into reservoirs, making conservation critical during this time.
Ongoing Impact of the Kona Low Storm
The Kona low has led to widespread flooding across Oahu, prompting various emergency measures and advisories. Here’s a summary of the ongoing developments:
- First Alert Weather Days through Sunday as another kona low brings heavy rain.
- The Board of Water Supply asks Oahu residents to conserve water during the storm.
- Evacuation advisories are in place for parts of Maui due to flooding threats.
- Gov. Green has deployed the National Guard to monitor Wahiawa Dam as water levels stabilize.
- The Hawaii National Guard has deployed 200 troops in response to the storm.
- HECO is working to restore power to Oahu’s North Shore.
Recent Developments and Impacts
On Friday, March 20, the situation escalated with the following events:
- Residents of Waialua were urged to evacuate as roads deteriorated.
- Dozens were rescued across Oahu as flooding intensified.
- Laie experienced significant flooding, damaging about 100 homes overnight.
- A warning of an imminent risk of Wahiawa Dam failure led to evacuation orders for Waialua and Haleiwa residents.
- Despite concerns, the Wahiawa Dam is reported to be structurally sound, though the evacuation order remains in effect.
Additional updates include:
- A list of closed facilities as a new Kona low triggers severe flooding on Oahu.
- Emergency shelters have been opened on Oahu amid dangerous flooding.
- Flooding and damage have been reported across Oahu as heavy rain overwhelms already-saturated ground.
- Proactive power shutoffs have been implemented for thousands on Oahu due to the storm.
- The Kauai Emergency Management Agency urges the public to remain vigilant amid the Kona low.
- Gov. Josh Green stated that the situation is very serious as flooding worsens on Oahu’s North Shore.
- Despite ponding in some areas, tourists and locals continued to enjoy Waikiki.
- The city confirmed no emergency after sirens were heard near Sunset Beach.
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