In Honolulu, Hawaii, a large water main break impacting Pearl Harbor-area homes, schools and businesses is prompting an urgent call for water conservation.
According to Hawaii News Now, Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary and Hickam Elementary closed early on Thursday due to water service issues. The schools are expected to reopen Friday. However, officials said repairing the water main break could take a week or even longer.
The break was found on Thursday morning in a 42-inch water line from the Navy Waiawa pumping station, according to Hawaii News Now. Water service has now been restored using an alternate water source. However, the Navy says that supply is limited.
“Everyone has to conserve water as much as possible,” said Chuck Anthony, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam spokesman. “Make sure your showers are short, if you’re going to do laundry do a full load, and just use the only amount of water you need for health and safety.”
The massive break was found near the Pearl City Home Depot and Navy officials say all of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and the surrounding naval properties are affected, according to Hawaii News Now.
While water service was restored after several hours, using a back up well and support from the Board of Water Supply, affected residents are being urged to conserve water until the broken line is fixed.
