By Staff Reports
(KALAHEO) – The Department of Water (DOW) has scheduled an 8-hour water shutdown for Kalaheo residents in the Brydeswood Subdivision and on Kaumualii Highway between Papalina Road and Halewili Road. The closure will take place from 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, weather permitting.
Water will be turned off to allow the DOW’s contractor, Kaiwa Construction Inc., to connect a newly installed 8-inch water main line along Kaumualii Highway.
Additionally, the Department of Transportation advises motorists of traffic delays along Kaumualii Highway (Route 50) and at the intersection of Kaumualii Highway (Route 50) and Halewili Road (Route 540), in the vicinity of Mile Post 12.1, during the water shutdown. During this time, the lanes will be narrowed to 10 feet to accommodate shoulder work in this area.
Crews will also be working along Kaumualii Highway and within the Brydeswood Subdivision at the intersections of Haku Hale Street and Peleleu Street, and at the end of Peleleu Street.
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time through the project area and observe all traffic control devices and personnel working.
To prepare for the water shutdown, affected customers are advised to take the following steps:
- Store enough water to meet your needs during the shutdown.
- Notify family, friends and neighbors that may be affected by the shutdown.
- Those with faulty water heaters should ensure that water heaters do not empty during the shutdown.
- If you need water during the shutdown, a trailer-mounted water tank providing potable water will be located near the intersection of Halewili Road and Haku Hale Street. Please bring your own containers.
- Stay tuned to radio news reports or monitor www.facebook.com/KauaiDOW for any updates on changes or extensions to the shutdown due to weather or other delays. The DOW will also send updates through Blackboard Connect (formerly known as Connect CTY) – a mass notification system where customers can receive phone, text and/or email alerts. To sign up for Blackboard Connect, please visit the county’s website www.kauai.gov, or call the Kauai County Emergency Management Agency at 241-1800.
- After the connection is completed and the water main is turned back on, air may be mixed into the water causing it to appear white or milky in color. This is normal and the air in the water will eventually dissipate.
- After the connection has been completed and the water main is turned back on, it is also possible that existing sediment in the line could get stirred up. This is common after an interruption in service. If this happens, the water will appear brown in color and should be flushed out through an outside hose bib until the water is clear.
DOW crews will also be notifying affected customers through door-to-door notices prior to the scheduled shutdown. To view a map of the affected area, visit www.kauaiwater.org or visit the DOW’s office in Lihue.
For more information, please contact the Department of Water at 245-5455, Kaiwa Construction Inc. at 828-1157 or the state Department of Transportation at 241-3000.