Maui’s recycled water conversation continues

Proposed Resolution Sparks Conversations on Maui County’s Recycled Water

By MEGAN MOSELEY

Staff Writer

A proposed resolution is currently under consideration by the council, generating discussions about the future use of Maui County’s recycled water. This resolution highlights the importance of utilizing recycled water, also known as R-1 water, to conserve potable water for development purposes. It has been drafted by Tom Cook, the councilmember and committee chair from South Maui.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the significance of using recycled water to achieve water security, sustainability, and resilience. Many states in the United States, including Alaska, Ohio, and Nebraska, already use recycled water. Furthermore, California, Colorado, and Florida are exploring the use of direct potable reuse (DPR) water, which involves treating sewage water for drinking water systems.

Water reuse, also known as water recycling or water reclamation, involves salvaging water from various sources and treating it for multiple purposes such as agriculture, irrigation, potable water supplies, and groundwater replenishment. The county of Maui currently recycles and reuses 22% of its wastewater for landscape, golf course and agricultural irrigation, fire control, and construction dust control. This approach helps conserve potable water.

Resolution 24-161 has sparked concerns about its implementation and beneficiaries. During a county council Water and Infrastructure Committee meeting, representatives from the Department of Water Supply, Department of Environmental Management, and council members discussed the resolution. The resolution was reviewed on September 27 and sent back to the committee for further discussion due to concerns raised by council members and residents regarding the language used in the bill.

County officials provided testimony in support of the resolution during the committee meeting on October 10. The Department of Water Supply expressed strong support for the resolution and emphasized the importance of viewing recycled water as a valuable resource rather than something to be disposed of. They also offered to contribute to the funding of the expanded recycled water program. The Department of Environmental Management highlighted their significant investments in R-1 and reuse projects, amounting to millions of dollars. They stressed the need to balance the use of recycled water for agriculture and irrigation with the conservation of potable water.

Testimony from the Office of Recovery, a West Maui wildfire survivor, and a lead scientist further supported the use of R-1 water. However, concerns were raised about the need to treat the water before reuse to prevent harm to the reef. The scientist also emphasized the importance of prioritizing public services and ensuring that private users contribute to the infrastructure required for using recycled water.

During the meeting, amendments were proposed to prioritize potable water for affordable housing, fire protection, greenbelts, agriculture, and cultural uses. Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez expressed her lack of support for adopting the resolution, regardless of the amendments, questioning the need for it when the administration and council already support increasing R-1 use and funding for infrastructure improvements.

The amended resolution was voted on by the committee, with all members voting in favor except for Rawlins-Fernandez. Councilmember Gabe Johnson was excused from the vote.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
• SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
• SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 6.3.2: Proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality
• Indicator 11.3.1: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate
• Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mauinews.com