Kula, 'Ulupalakua and Kanaio residents are being urged to use water only for health and safety purposes while the Maui County Department of Water Supply works to restore water to safe levels in storage tanks, the Maui News reported.

Water levels in the Waiohuli and Kama'ole tanks were at "critically low" levels yesterday, the department reported. "If consumption does not drop, the area may run out of water. It is especially critical for 'Ulupalakua and Kanaio customers to cut back water usage to prevent another extended water outage."

The department said Upcountry water consumption has been running high — an average of 8.6 million gallons per day for the past two weeks and more than 9 million gallons per day on Wednesday and Thursday.

Water officials placed portable water tankers at the Waiohuli tank and at 'Ulupalakua Store for customers to fill containers with water. Crews also were checking the water transmission system for leaks and to ensure that all valves are open and working properly.