Maui County water officials say that despite recent rainfall, the Upcountry service area remains in a serious water shortage.

On Friday, the county moved Upcountry into a Stage 3 water shortage forbidding all nonessential water use for commercial and industrial use.

The Upcountry service area includes Makawao, Upper and Lower Kula, Haiku, Haliimaile, Pukalani, Kokomo, Kaupakalua, Ulumalu, Keokea, Ulupalakua and Kanaio.

Other Stage 3 mandatory conservation measures include:

All irrigation of turf grass is prohibited. Plant containers, trees, shrubs, and vegetable gardens may be watered one day per week using only drip irrigation or hand watering. Customers must repair leaks, breaks or faulty sprinklers within two days of notice or notification to the extent feasible.

The use of potable water at temporary construction meters is prohibited.

Personal washing of vehicles is prohibited.

Irrigation of parks, school grounds and recreation fields is prohibited.

The measures are being taken to try to preserve remaining water supplies and ensure continued access to water for essential public health and safety needs, such as drinking water and sanitation.

The Stage 1 water shortage went into effect on April 17, and the Stage 2 water shortage began on Sept. 11. The Stage 3 water shortage will remain in place until water source levels recover to sustainable levels, according to the Maui County Department of Water Supply.

Agricultural water customers are subject to the same water usage restrictions as other customers.