Disinfection of water treatment will change for Upper Kula water system on September 6

Effective September 6, the Water Supply Department will change its water supply disinfectant from chloramines to chlorine in the Upper Kula water system due to severe drought conditions in the hinterland.

Persistent dry conditions have reduced available water supplies and the department has to pump water from lower Kula to upper Kula. This only affects the Upper Kula water system.

Chlorine is the same disinfectant used in the Lower Kula and Makawao water systems. Chlorinated water from Lower Kula is pumped and distributed in the Upper Kula system.

After changing sanitizer, customers may notice a chlorine taste and odor in their water. This is normal and poses no health risk. Drinking water can be stored in a pitcher and chilled before drinking to allow the chlorine to dissipate and reduce any chlorine odor or taste.

For kidney dialysis patients: Processes already in place to remove chloramines from water will remove chlorine.

For aquarium owners: If you have a filter that removes chloramines, no changes or adjustments are necessary. For aquariums without filters, you can let the water sit for a few hours before adding it to your aquarium so that the chlorine can dissipate.

If you have any questions about your water quality, please call the DWS Lab at 808-270-7550, or visit www.mauicounty.gov/water.

For health concerns, contact the Maui District Office of the State Department of Health at 808-984-8200.

The 24 hour water service line is also available at 808-270-7633 for water service issues.