Oahu Residents Asked to Conserve Water During Storm

Board of Water Supply urges minimal water use for drinking, cooking and hygiene only

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:59pm

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The Board of Water Supply is asking all Oahu residents to conserve water during this weekend's storm and use it only for essential purposes like drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Power outages are affecting the water system serving the North Shore community, and the limited water left in reservoirs must be carefully managed until power can be restored.

Why it matters

Maintaining water supply during power outages is critical for public health and safety. The Board of Water Supply is proactively asking residents to limit non-essential water use to ensure there is enough for basic needs until the system can be fully restored.

The details

Officials said power outages are affecting the BWS water system serving the North Shore community from Waialua and Mokuleia to Kawela. During a power outage, the BWS has limited ability to pump water out of its wells and other sources up to the reservoirs. Until power is restored, the water left in the reservoirs will be all that is available.

  • The Board of Water Supply issued the conservation request this morning, March 21, 2026.

The players

Board of Water Supply

The government agency responsible for managing Oahu's water supply and infrastructure.

Ernie Lau

The Manager and Chief Engineer of the Board of Water Supply.

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What they’re saying

“By limiting water use, you will do your part to help your community have enough water for their needs during the outage. We need everyone's kokua in this effort. Mahalo!”

— Ernie Lau, Manager and Chief Engineer, Board of Water Supply

What’s next

The Board of Water Supply hopes to restore full water service to affected North Shore communities this morning as power is restored.

The takeaway

This water conservation request highlights the fragility of Oahu's water infrastructure during severe weather events and the importance of residents heeding official guidance to ensure adequate supply for essential needs.