(BIVN) – An Emergency Water Restriction continues for North Kona, as hopes for a speedy fix on the out-of-service Honokohau Deepwell faltered after a Friday repair update.

According to the Department of Water Supply, it was discovered during today’s work that “the spare motor is defective and cannot be used.”

Water Supply is now working on several options to obtain another spare motor before resuming the installation work. The updated repair schedule is to be determined, officials say.

There are currently five wells out of service in North Kona. Honokohau Deepwell, the most recent well to fail, went down on August 13. The Water Restriction Notice already in effect for North Kona was elevated to an emergency. Residents and customers in the area from Keauhou to Keahole and Honalo to Makalei have been forced to restrict water use to health and safety needs (drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes) only. The county told residents to cease all landscape irrigation activities. The Department of Water Supply also suspended temporary service accounts and irrigation accounts in North Kona.

“Adjustments were made to the water distribution system and a minimum level of water service is being maintained,” water supply officials report. “However, without everyone’s continued cooperation, there will be areas that will experience periodic loss of water service or lower water pressures.”

The county also recommends that residents store a sufficient amount of water for basic household needs, such as drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes, in the event of service disruptions.

Potable water can be obtained from a water tanker located on Hina Lani Street between Anini Street and Manu Mele Street as well as water spigots on a fire hydrant along Ane Keohokalole Highway, between Kealakehe Parkway and Kealakehe High School, officials say.

Water Supply “appreciates the community’s efforts to restrict their water use during this time,” officials say. “Government agencies, businesses, and other customers that use recycled wastewater or reclaimed water, in lieu of potable water, for their daily operations are to be commended.”