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Water conservation urged for South, Central Maui

The Department of Water Supply is urging customers in South and Central Maui to conserve water because of extreme drought, the county announced Friday afternoon.

Reduced rainfall has resulted in lower recharge of Maui’s Iao, Waihee and Kahului aquifers, and it takes time to rebuild the groundwater storage capacity, even after rains return, a county news release said. Surface water supplies for the Central Maui system come from the Wailuku River.

The water department urges customers in South and Central Maui to be mindful of their water use and especially reduce outdoor water use.

“The Central Maui System primarily relies on groundwater and is not as vulnerable to drought as the surface water sources that serve our Upcountry system,” said Jeff Pearson, Department of Water Supply director. “We want to make sure these groundwater sources remain healthy in the long run to serve the community’s needs. Reducing water use wherever possible helps to protect the resource.”

Friday’s announcement comes weeks after a Stage 1 water shortage was declared for Upcountry on July 2 due to continued dry weather and lack of rainfall.

The water department has prohibited all Upcountry water consumers from using water for irrigation, lawns, personal washing of vehicles or other nonesssential activities.

The department also has launched its “Don’t Waste A Drop” campaign to urge water conservation. For tips and resources on how to conserve water for businesses and homes, visit waterresources .mauicounty.gov/153/

Water-Conservation or waterresources.mauicouty.gov/207/Conserve-Water-Tools.

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