Hawaiian Electric customers on the Big Island are advised to prepare for potential power and water shutdowns today as wildfire risk runs high on the island.
Hawaiian Electric released a statement today cautioning that because the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the entire state until 6 p.m. today, the power provider could implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program, depending on weather conditions.
The program cuts off power to communities with high wildfire risks, so that wind-damaged electrical infrastructure can’t spark a blaze.
Because the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply relies on HECO power to operate its wells and distribute water to its customers, Big Island residents are advised that county water could also be cut off if HECO implements its shutoff protocol.
A PSPS shutdown could last from hours to days, depending on conditions, which could diminish or deplete portions of DWS’ water systems, leaving customers with low water pressure or no water at all.
In the event of a shutdown, DWS advises that it will likely need to restrict or ration potable water for fire suppression, drinking, cooking and personal hygiene purposes only. Nonessential uses of water such as car washing or irrigation would be suspended until all power and water systems have been returned to normal operations.
Customers are therefore urged to review their personal situations and make necessary preparations. They should locate alternate sources of potable water that can meet their essential needs over a multiday power outage.
Those who may be impacted by a potential shutdown — particularly those in West Hawaii — are asked to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 10%.
Ways to safely store drinking water can be found at hawaiidws.org.