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Oahu residents asked
to cut back water use

By Helen Altonn
Star-Bulletin

Higher use and lower supplies of water on Oahu have prompted another request for residents to cut back water use by 10 percent.

The Board of Water Supply a few weeks ago asked customers to start conserving water. With little winter rainfall, many aquifers are below last year's levels.

"The Board of Water Supply is counting on everyone's help to reduce consumption now so we can avoid having mandatory restrictions later this summer," said Clifford Jamile, manager and chief engineer.

Water consumption on Oahu from May 18 to 24 totaled 164.69 million gallons per day -- about 3.24 million gallons per day more than the previous week.

Usage totaled nearly 16 million gallons more daily than the same week last year.

"This is the season where there is normally higher consumption due to rising temperatures, said Denise DeCosta, Board of Water Supply spokeswoman.

"We're not in danger, but we are concerned."

Water levels in aquifers are down in all districts except Ewa-Waianae.

The biggest jump in water usage was in the Honolulu District. Consumers used 40.11 million gallons per day -- about 1.36 million gallons per day more than the previous week.

The Pearl Harbor District totaled 72.72 million gallons daily, up 1.25 million gallons per day from the week before.

The Board of Water Supply said it will provide a water-saving tip every week to help people cut back water use.

This week's tip: Install water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow faucets and showerheads and ultra-low-flush toilets.

A $100 rebate is offered for installing a water-saving toilet.

For more information, call the water conservation section, 527-5109.