The devastating wildfires in Hawaii have been heartbreaking from afar and their widespread impacts on the community continue to unfold. Based on lessons learned from previous wildfires, officials are recommending people in Hawaii, especially those in hard-hit Maui, use bottled water or fill jugs at water tankers (called water buffalos) until safe drinking water service is restored.

Wildfires are burning in several areas of western United States. When this happens, local water utilities spring to action because you may be surprised at the extent to which wildfires effect our water quality, supply and use.