June 14, 2010 – South Kona, Hawaii

The following notice was issued by the Department of Water Supply:

SOUTH KONA AREA IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER FOR CONSUMERS ON SODIUM RESTRICTED DIETS KE‘EI WELL “D” UNDER REPAIR

The Department of Water Supply’s Ke‘ei Well “D” is scheduled for repair starting June 21, 2010. As a result, backup sources Ke‘ei Wells “A” and “C” will be in use. These wells have sodium levels that are higher than Ke‘ei Well “D.”

For most individuals, drinking water supplies only a small percentage of their daily sodium intake and is therefore not a concern. For persons on sodium-restricted diets, however, drinking water could supply a significant percentage of their daily sodium intake. Those that are undergoing treatment for sodium-sensitive hypertension (high blood pressure) are encouraged to consult their health care provider regarding the sodium levels in the drinking water.

The latest information on sodium levels for the Ke‘ei Wells are as follows:

Well                                   Sodium (mg/L)                   Sample Date

Ke‘ei A                                       220                                                 06/08/10
Ke‘ei C                                          27                                                 06/08/10
Ke‘ei D                                          12                                                 06/08/10

The areas provided with water from the Ke‘ei Wells include:

1. Māmalahoa Highway from Nāpo‘opo‘o Road, south to Ho‘okena,
2. Middle Ke‘ei Road from Māmalahoa Highway to the intersection with Nāpo‘opo‘o Road,
3. Painted Church Road, and
4. Keala O Keawe Road from Māmalahoa Highway to Pu‘uhōnua O Hōnaunau.

The water from Ke‘ei Wells “A,” “C,” and “D” meet all primary enforceable standards, and is therefore safe to drink. If you reside in the areas defined above and are concerned about the elevated levels of sodium, you should consult your personal physician. At this time, the Department has scheduled Ke‘ei Well “D” repair work from June 21, 2010, to July 15, 2010, an approximate period of 4 weeks.

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