Maui Council pushes for recycled water to tackle housing crisis

In a recent government meeting, the Maui County Council adopted Resolution 24-161, urging the administration to prioritize the increased production and distribution of recycled R1 water. This initiative aims to alleviate the ongoing potable water shortages exacerbated by the August 2023 wildfires and to support the construction of affordable housing in the region.

Council Member Cook emphasized the critical need for this resolution, highlighting that the chronic shortage of potable water has significantly delayed the construction of hundreds of affordable housing units in West and South Maui. The current water demand in West Maui exceeds the available supply, with pre-fire usage levels reaching 5.6 million gallons per day, while the county's water system can only provide 4.12 million gallons daily. The resolution aims to free up potable water by utilizing R1 water for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and landscaping, which could potentially support housing for approximately 4,587 residents.

The Lahaina wastewater reclamation facility, the only one in West Maui, currently produces 4.5 million gallons of R1 water daily, yet a significant portion is disposed of through injection wells. The resolution calls for the exploration of public-private partnerships to enhance the R1 water distribution network and to invest in R1 water production at various wastewater treatment facilities across the county.

The council's decision reflects a growing public interest in expanding the use of recycled water, as outlined in several community plans aimed at reducing reliance on potable water for irrigation and landscaping. The resolution is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the housing crisis while ensuring sustainable water management practices for future generations.