Hawaii County Flushes Water System After Discoloration Reports in Kaieie

The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is actively flushing the water system in the Kaieie and Papa’ikou areas after residents reported discoloration from their taps.

Officials state that the water is not contaminated based on recent samples from the Papa’ikou water system, which all came back normal. Despite these results, the department is investigating the cause of the discoloration and will conduct additional testing. Crews are currently hauling water to the Kaieie tank to stabilize the supply.

A potable water tanker is available for residents at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway and Mill Road, directly across from Kimura General store. The department advises customers to run their cold water taps at the lowest point in their homes, such as a bathtub, for five to ten minutes until the water runs clear.

Residents should avoid using hot water taps during this process to prevent sediment from entering water heaters. If the water does not clear after the initial flush, users should wait one to two hours before trying again. Light-colored laundry should be avoided until the water is clear to prevent staining.

If discoloration persists after flushing, customers are asked to report the issue so crews can flush the local water mains. Residents can call the Water Quality Assurance and Control Branch at (808) 961-8670 or the Hilo Operations Baseyard at (808) 961-8790. For after-hours emergencies, the baseyard number is the same.

The department continues to monitor the situation and perform quality checks while working to identify the source of the discoloration.