UPDATE (4:30 p.m.) – The Department of Water Supply says repairs on Keʻei “A” tank have been completed and the system is back to normal. Therefore, the water restriction is cancelled. 

(BIVN) – Emergency water restrictions are in effect for areas of South Kona due to “unexpected repairs” on the existing Keʻei “A” tank, county officials say.

According to a message from the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply issued at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, customers in the affected areas of Napoʻopoʻo and Hōnaunau in South Kona may experience no water or low water pressure.

“Therefore,” the Water Supply message states, “a Water Restriction has been issued for the above mentioned affected area.”

The following emergency water restrictions are in effect, official say, until repairs are completed:

• Customers should restrict water usage to health and safety needs only (drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes only).
• Irrigation activities should cease immediately.

“Please kōkua and limit water usage,” the DWS message states. “Repairs to the tank are expected to be completed in approximately four hours.”

A water tanker will be stationed near the intersection of Painted Church Road and Middle Keʻei Road.

For other questions or concerns, Water Supply says you can call (808) 322-0600 or (808) 961-8060 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.