By Erik Gabaldon
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The Department of Water Supply notified the public Thursday of possible “interruptions” to water and electric utilities due to forecasted heavy rain and winds in Hawaii this week.

“DWS requires a significant amount of dependable electricity to deliver an adequate and continuous supply of safe drinking water to all customers,” the department said in a statement. “Much of this electricity is supplied by Hawaiian Electric, which is directing its customers to prepare for possible power outages.”

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Officials advised people to set aside water and additional sources of potable water for emergency use in case of extended service outages.

The following is a list of water supply tips:

• Determine household water needs, each person should have a minimum of one gallon of water per day for at least 14 days, according to the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency;

• Store water safely, use only clean, dedicated, food-grade containers;

• Treating drinking water, during an emergency, it may be necessary for the DWS to issue a “Boil Water Notice” instructing customers to boil their tap water for at least one minute, allow it to cool and store in a sterilized container and;

• Restrict water use, extend limited supplies by restricting water during emergencies. Use water only for essential drinking and sanitation needs. No lawn watering, washing vehicles, etc.

Additionally, a flood watch and high wind warning will remain in effect for West Hawaii until at least Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Forecasters said that weather conditions will gradually improve with cooler and drier air building in behind the front Friday night through the weekend.

“Cool and breezy trade wind weather is expected through the first half of next week,” the NWS said.

DWS updates, availability of emergency supplies provided by mobile water wagons and other information can be found at www.hawaiidws.org, www.facebook.com/HawaiiDWS/ and @hawaiidws.

More disaster preparedness tips can be found at www.epa.gov/natural-disasters.