New $22 million Iao Water Treatment Plant is blessed

Maui County blessed the new $21.7 million Iao Water Treatment Plant on Thursday.

The plant is currently producing 1.7 million gallons per day. The former Iao plant produced about 500,000 gallons per day on average, according to a news release.

“Water is a critical part of Maui County’s infrastructure,” said Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino. “I’m very grateful for all the hard work by the Department of Water Supply, contractors and consultants to get this new plant designed and built.”

The plant features “state-of-the-art” automation and a supervisory control and data acquisition system with remote capabilities, he said.

“I’m confident our investment in this facility is paying off with improved water source capacity in Central Maui,” Victorino added.

Water Director Jeffrey Pearson thanked County Council members and prior administrations for supporting the project.

“The Iao Water Treatment Plant is a source of pride for the Department of Water Supply,” Pearson said. “Treating surface water, thought not as reliable, will take a huge strain off our Iao aquifer and provide needed source for our current and future customers.”

The upgraded plant receives water from the IaoWaikapu ditch. It has an average daily capacity of 3.2 mgd, but current production is 1.7 mgd while the Department of Water Supply awaits the results of a surface water contested case.

There is a current application for another 1.5 mgd to the state Commission on Water Resource Management.

The plant has the capacity to meet peak demand of 6 million gallons per day.