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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Commission on Water Resource Management, together with the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation has initiated an appraisal level study to investigate opportunities for capturing and reusing storm water runoff in Hawaii. Storm water reclamation and reuse technology has been utilized successfully on the U.S. mainland and in other countries to augment water supplies and meet growing demands. Using reclaimed storm water to supply non-potable needs can help reduce the demands on our State’s potable water resources. Alternative and innovative ways to supplement existing water sources should be explored and pursued. “We appreciate this expanding partnership with the Bureau of Reclamation. We appreciate their assistance in evaluating opportunities with storm water capturing and reuse,” said DLNR Chairperson Peter Young. “Reusing storm water that would normally run into the ocean is one way to maximize the use of our limited water resources,” Young said. “There are also additional benefits to reducing the amount of runoff going into our streams and our coastal waters, such as improved near-shore water quality and reduced impacts upon our coral reef systems,” added Young. The proposed project includes three elements of study and will evaluate the potential and practicability of capturing and reusing storm water in the State of Hawaii. The first element will be to develop a storm water reclamation and reuse framework, which will examine barriers and obstacles to storm water reuse, suggest solutions, and serve as a general guidance document for planning and implementation of storm water reclamation and reuse projects statewide. The second element will: The objective of the third element is to explore storm water reclamation and reuse opportunities in the Ewa Plain, Oahu, by identifying viable technologies and creative applications for storm water reuse in the area. “I am pleased that the Commission on Water Resource Management is partnering with our federal counterparts to assess and identify potential alternative water sources for Hawaii,” said Young. “By capturing and reusing storm water for non-potable purposes, we may be able to reduce the demand on our groundwater aquifers and more effectively sustain and manage our drinking water supply,” he said. The Commission on Water Resource Management is charged with protecting the water resources of the State to provide for the maximum beneficial use of water by present and future generations. The Commission carries out surveys, research, and investigation into all aspects of water use, including water resource augmentation and water conservation. The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $400,000 in funding towards this effort, which will begin in the fall of 2006. The project contract has been awarded to the engineering firm Brown and Caldwell, which has local offices in Hawaii. # # # For more information media contact |
