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The Maui News
Hoping to clear away the last traces of bacteria from the Upper Kula water system, the Maui County Department of Water Supply changed its water disinfectant on Monday.
The department announced the planned change from chloramines to chlorine last week as some waterlines continued to test positive for trace amounts total coliform and E. coli in the wake of a major storm last month.
It may take up to seven days for the chlorine to reach the furthest points of the water system, the department said Monday. Chlorine is already used as a disinfectant in the Lower Kula and Makawao water systems. Upcountry customers in Olinda, Lower Kula and Makawao are not affected.
Boiling tap water is still recommended for residents of Lepelepe Place, Malamahale Place, Malia Uli Place, Waipoli Road, Naalae Road, Kawehi Place, Polipoli Road and Lower Kula Road between Naalae and Waipoli roads.
Potable water tankers remain at the Fong Store, Ching Store, Ulupalakua Ranch Office, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Copp Road at Kula Highway.
The department is also asking affected residents to assist ongoing disinfection efforts by flushing their water fixtures, cleaning faucet aerators, water heater tanks and any water filters in and around their homes next week. This should help move chlorinated water through household fixtures.
Chlorine will likely be used at least through January, and customers may notice a chlorine taste and smell to the water, which is normal, the department said. Boiling water will accelerate chlorine dissipation and should reduce any chlorine smell or taste.
For kidney dialysis patients, the processes already in place to remove chloramines in the water will remove chlorine, the county said. Those who have been advised to boil water should continue to do so.
For updates and maps of areas under boil water advisories, visit mauicounty.gov/126/Department-of-Water-Supply.
For questions about water quality, call the department laboratory at (808) 270-7550; for general questions, contact Adam Mundy at (808) 270-8046 during regular working hours; for the 24-hour service line, call (808) 270-7633.