Kauai County officials are asking residents and businesses in Kalaheo to use water only for essential uses because of a pumping problem that is not allowing the water tank for the area to be replenished.

Essential needs includes cooking, bathing and toilet flushing, the county said.

Officials said an electrical problem occurred at the Kalaheo well site this morning, preventing Department of Water pumps from refilling the storage tank that serves the area.
 
The county crew is working with the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative to identify and repair the problem. Water conservation efforts by residents and visitors will reduce the likelihood of a water outage in the area, the county said.
 
Residents are also asked to notify their neighbors of this urgent request and encourage their participation.
 
Water conservation measures include refraining from car washing, reducing outdoor irrigation and using water conservatively and wisely indoors and outdoors.
 
For more information, call the Department of Water at 245-5455 during business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Police dispatch at 241-1711 after business hours.