Recently, the Maui County Council passed a new water conservation bill that amends the County Water Code and brings with it a fresh opportunity to promote responsible water use, reduce unnecessary water waste and improve water supply and sustainability practices.

Heard by the Water and Infrastructure Committee, Bill 158 was approved  and signed into law by Mayor Bissen as Ordinance 5929.  The new law includes important water use, conservation measures and water restriction parameters. One major component of the newly passed legislation relates to restrictions on potable water used for irrigation. With the passing of the new bill, potable water used for irrigation is restricted to 3 days a week as a new standard with further reductions under water restrictions when conditions require. With this amendment, for areas such as the leeward side of Maui, this may spark a movement to plant more drought and native species that can grow well with less water. This can have great ecological effects beyond reducing water requirements such as returning to more traditional dryland forest plants and creating habitats for native birds and pollinators.

If you are interested in learning more about this amendment, the Maui Department of Water Supply is holding an open house on February 25^th. Learn more here: https://www.mauicounty.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/18270 

As Maui moves forward with Ordinance 5929, the Ledcor Maui team applauds the County Council with this renewed commitment to stewardship, innovation, and shared responsibility.