2020-01 Performance Audit Report: Contingency Plans at County of Hawai'i's Department of Water Supply

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Best practices include detailed information to ensure that appropriate individuals follow the procedures in the correct order for each type of disaster (e.g., droughts, water shortages, water disruptions). Without detailed procedures that prioritize and document a clear process flow (i.e., who is going to do it, when it should be done, and how to do it), emergency procedures may not be carried out efficiently. In addition, plans should include stages or levels that characterize triggers, procedures, types of water restrictions, and detailed procedures for each stage of an emergency. 1b. Plans should include emergency contingencies by district. While the three plans described above do address some of the procedures DWS should take during well failures, the plans only apply to the North Kona area — they do not address procedure by district. Without comprehensive procedures and clear guidance, managing water systems during emergencies may be inefficient and challenging for DWS staff. Best practices recommend a perpetual, formalized plan for quick reference during any type of impending or immediate disaster or disruption of water service occurring by district. Honokohau Deep Well (1,740 feet) x � ff- I� n- Photo courtesy of the Office of the Legislative Auditor. Well was non -operational at time of photo. 1c. Plans should describe types and implementation guidance of water usage restrictions. DWS has implemented three types of water restrictions while North Kona wells were nonoperational. The least serious being 10% voluntary water restriction where DWS requests the public to reduce their normal water usage. The next level of restriction is a 25% mandatory water restriction of the public's daily usage. Lastly, an Emergency Water Restriction Notice, which limits water usage to health and safety needs only. None of the plans included information on when DWS will implement water restrictions or the types of restrictions. Furthermore, the plans did not include detailed steps or communications procedures during impending or immediate disaster or disruption of water service. Without addressing water restrictions in their plans, DWS cannot consistently and effectively Department of Water Supply Contingency Plan Audit Results 19