According to reporting by Hawaii News Now, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply has declared a Stage 3 water shortage for the Upcountry service area, citing prolonged drought and declining reservoir levels. The restrictions, effective Oct. 17, ban all irrigation of turf grass and prohibit watering of parks, school grounds and recreation fields.
Plant containers, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens may be watered one day per week using drip irrigation or hand watering only. Agricultural customers are subject to the same rules as residential and commercial users.
Other measures include a ban on car washing and the use of potable water at temporary construction meters. Violations can result in fines of $500 per incident and removal of water meters for repeated breaches.
The Stage 3 designation follows earlier shortages declared in April and September and will remain in effect until further notice.
