The National Weather Service’s (NWS) forecast calls for the existing drought conditions to expand over the entire island and intensify over the upcoming months due to the ongoing El Nino event. Peak dryness is expected to occur from around January through February 2024. The El Nino event will likely persist well into spring 2024.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows nearly the entire island of Hawai‘i to be under at least moderate drought conditions.
The majority of the Department of Water Supply’s (DWS) public water systems rely on water pumped from underground aquifers that are more resilient to drought than surface water sources. However, due to the drought forecast, DWS will continue to closely monitor its 23 water systems, especially those relying primarily on rainfall to replenish stream or spring water sources which are more susceptible to drought conditions.
If DWS’ pumping capabilities cannot sustain the water needs of all customers and the public served by a respective water system, DWS will ask those customers to reduce their water use. Measures could include a request to cut back on irrigation, undertake 10% voluntary conservation, or comply with a mandatory 25% reduction notice so DWS can maintain an adequate supply of safe drinking water for all customers. Water customers can do their part by fixing common household water leaks, irrigating efficiently, and switching to low-flow toilets. Other helpful water conservation tips can be found at the Department’s website, www.hawaiidws.org, by clicking on the “Conservation” tab in the homepage drop-down menu.
Updated messaging will be posted at www.hawaiidws.org and on the DWS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/.
To reach the DWS, please call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours, (808) 961-8790 for after-hour emergencies, or email: dws@hawaiidws.org.