Moloka‘i Irrigation System Water Level
CURRENT WATER LEVELS
NOTICE: 10% VOLUNTARY NON-HOMESTEAD WATER CONSERVATION
March 5, 2025
The Moloka‘i Irrigation System (MIS) is experiencing a low storage supply of water in the reservoir. This is attributed to the hot and dry conditions on the Island of Moloka‘i experienced in recent years, and especially through 2024. The reservoir is presently at 25.5 feet and containing approximately 602.5 million gallons. At this same time last year, the reservoir was at 27.25 feet and 651.25 million gallons.
While we are not in a state of emergency conditions at this time, the program urges irrigation system users to be cognizant of the situation and prepare for possible reductions in the availability of water from the MIS. We request that all users immediately begin voluntary reductions in monthly water consumption by at least 10%.
In the event the reservoir level continues its downward trend, there may be a future need to implement additional water conservation measures including, but not limited to, mandatory 10%, 20%, or 30% reduction in water use, periodic shut-off of water distribution, surcharges for overuse, and/or termination of water service to those users not in compliance with the conservation measures.
Please be aware that homestead users are not subject to the mandatory restrictions until such time that homestead usage, based on actual need, as defined, reaches two thirds of the water developed in the first phase of the MIS construction.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at (808) 973-9473.
Water levels:
- 3/28/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/27/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/26/2025: HOLIDAY
- 3/25/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/24/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/21/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/20/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/19/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/18/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
- 3/17/2025: 26.50 feet (630.0 MG)
HAWAI‘I ADMINISTRATIVE RULES:
Upon declaration and notification of emergency conditions by the M.I.S., mandatory conservation measures may be implemented to avoid shortage or interruption of service.
If the M.I.S. determines that a need for conservation exists, it will implement measures described in §4-157-4, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules (HAR) below:
§4-157-4, HAR, Conservation measures and interruption of water supply. (a) The department shall exercise reasonable diligence and care to deliver an adequate supply of water to the consumer and to avoid shortage or interruption of water service, whenever possible, but shall not be liable for any interruption, shortage, insufficiency of supply, or any loss or damage occasioned thereby.
(j) Upon declaration of emergency conditions and implementation of mandatory conservation measures (i.e. ten percent, twenty percent, or thirty percent cutbacks), consumers exceeding the level of mandatory cutbacks shall be assesses a surcharge as follows:
(1) Mandatory ten percent conservation – consumers shall be assessed a surcharge of ten cents per thousand gallons of water consumed in excess of ninety percent of their average use as calculated by the administrator-chief engineer;
(2) Mandatory twenty percent conservation – consumers shall be assessed a surcharge of twenty cents per thousand gallons of water consumed in excess of eighty percent of their average use as calculated by the administrator-chief engineer; and
(3) Mandatory thirty percent conservation – consumers shall be assessed a surcharge of thirty cents per thousand gallons of water consumed in excess of seventy percent of their average use as calculated by the administrator-chief engineer.
NOTE: Pursuant to §4-157-12, Discontinuance of service; water service may be refused or discontinued by the department if the water bill has not been paid within 30 days after the mailing or presentation thereof to the consumer or if the consumer fails to comply with any of the applicable rules. However, acreage assessments shall continue in spite of the discontinuance of service.
Please contact us at (808) 973-9473, if you have any questions.