Once again, a Public Potable Water Distribution Station has been set up on Ane Keohokalole Hwy.

(BIVN) – Its a familiar alert for residents of North Kona.

For the second time this year, water supply customers are under an emergency water restriction following the failure of the Honokohau Deepwell located in North Kona. It is the fifth off-line water well serving the Kona area.

The head of Hawaii County Water Supply, Keith Okamoto, said they do not know the cause of the well failure, but they do have a spare well in Waimea that looks like it can be be re purposed to fit the Honokohau Deepwell. They are working with one of their contractors in order to pull them off another job so they can work on Honokohau.

The County of Hawaii issued this update on Monday:

This is an Emergency Water Restriction Notice for North Kona District customers for Monday August 14 at 2:30 PM.

The Department of Water Supply reports Honokohau Deepwell located in North Kona is now out of service. Due to the loss of this pump this morning, North Kona customers in the area from Keauhou to Keahole and Honalo to Makalei must restrict water use to health and safety needs only. This means use water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes only. Cease all other water use including all irrigation and washing of vehicle and boats.

Conserve water by flushing toilets less often and taking shorter showers.

We also recommend that residents store a sufficient amount of water (5-10) gallons for basic household needs, such as flushing toilets, hygiene and consumption in the event of service disruption.

Until further notice, the Department of Water Supply is suspending temporary service accounts and irrigation accounts in North Kona.

Department of Water Supply will be monitoring water usage and wasteful water use will be subject to further water restrictions and possible water shut off.

In order to help meet general customer demand, Water Supply has established Public Potable Water Distribution Stations at the following locations:

– Ane Keohokalole Hwy. between Kealakehe Parkway and Kealakehe High School

– Hina Lani between Anini St. and Manu Mele St.

For after hours emergencies, or to report any observed wasteful use of water call the DWS at 961-8790. During normal business hours, call 961-8060.