Maui County’s Department of Water Supply is holding public meetings in August to explore desalination as a solution to growing water demand in West and South Maui. Current supplies are already strained, with West Maui peak demand exceeding reliable supply by over 40%.
- Public meetings on desalination are scheduled for Aug. 5 in Kihei and Aug. 13 in Lahaina, both from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
- West Maui’s peak water demand exceeds its reliable supply by 41.8%, and South Maui’s main aquifer is operating above 90% of capacity.
- A county study has identified favorable desalination sites in South Maui, recommending solar power and deep-well injection for waste disposal.
- From funding approval to a functioning facility, the process is estimated to take over nine years.
- State and federal funding sources — including USDA and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — have been identified as potential backers for the project.
Source: Maui News
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