DOW announces September community meetings for Kauaʻi’s water future

Published on September 10, 2025

LĪHUʻE — The Kauaʻi Department of Water (DOW) invites residents to a series of community meetings later this month to discuss the future of the island’s water systems. These sessions will highlight findings from their recently completed Water Systems Investment Plan (WSIP) - a comprehensive island-wide water system study aimed at improving Kauaʻi’s water infrastructure.

“We’re focused on building a resilient water system that meets the needs of our customers today and for future generations,” said Joe Tait, Manager and Chief Engineer at DOW. “But we can’t do that alone. These meetings are a chance for customers to share their perspectives, ask questions, and help shape investments that will impact their local communities.”

DOW currently operates and maintains 425 miles of waterlines, 50 wells, 60 tanks, and over 3,000 hydrants across the island. Many parts of the system date back more than 100 years, highlighting the need for strategic investments to ensure safe, reliable water for the future.

Water Systems Investment Plan (WSIP)

The WSIP is a long-range strategic plan that helps guide decisions on water system upgrades, maintenance priorities, and capital improvement projects across Kauaʻi. It addresses critical needs such as aging infrastructure, climate change impacts, water supply resilience, and projected growth.

“The WSIP is more than a technical document—it’s a roadmap for investing in the island’s most vital natural resource: water,” shared Tait. “The plan outlines how and where we should prioritize funding and projects to responsibly manage resources.”

Meeting Schedule

Residents are encouraged to attend an in-person meeting in their community.

For more information on the community meetings, please visit www.kauaiwater.org/wsip or contact the Department of Water at 808-245-5455 or email publicrelations@kauaiwater.org. 

DOW community meetings invitation.

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