BWS INITIATIVES
Water Resources and Watershed Management Initiatives
Check this page for updates regarding key watershed-related initiatives by the Board of Water Supply.
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Recycled Water
Recycled water helps meet our island's water needs. The BWS is working to maximize our precious water resources and ensure that Oʻahu's residents have the water resources they need through its Water Recycling Program. Prior to the program, treated wastewater was disposed of into the ocean. Also, learn more about the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility in ʻEwa.
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Stakeholder Advisory Group
The Stakeholder Advisory Group for the Board of Water Supply provides important community feedback on the BWS Water Master Plan, proposed rate study and other important initiatives. Established in April 2015, the Stakeholder Advisory Group currently meets in person on a quarterly basis. Additional virtual meetings are scheduled as needed. Meetings are open to the public.
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Seawater Desalination
The Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Kalaeloa Desalco LLC is planning to build an innovative seawater desalination water facility in Campbell Industrial Park that will produce 1.7 to 2.55 million gallons of fresh water daily. Known as the Kalaeloa Seawater Desalination Facility, the plant will be a new source of fresh water to support the needs of Campbell Industrial Park, Kapolei Business Park, and the Deep Draft Harbor.
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Climate Change
Learn about various climate change studies associated with the Board of Water Supply.
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Watershed Studies
Get more information about watershed studies conducted by the Board of Water Supply.
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Protecting Wai for Wai‘anae
Learn more about the Board of Water Supply's effort to request that the State Commission on Water Resource Management designate the Waianae Aquifer Sector Area as a Ground Water Management Area equal to the same level as the rest of Oʻahu aquifers.
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Watershed Partnerships
One of the ways the BWS is protecting Oʻahu's watershed areas is by entering into partnerships with local and federal agencies, private landowners, schools, and community groups that protect and enhance our watersheds through resource management. Watershed partnerships come in all shapes and forms ranging from studies to Memorandum of Understandings (MOU) to actual on the ground projects.
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Water Shortage Plan
The final draft of the Water Shortage Response and Recovery Plan was approved by the BWS Board of Directors on Monday, November 28, 2022. The plan will provide the BWS with strategic and tactical steps to assess the need to declare a water shortage and manage water demands related to a water shortage condition.
Updated: 12/17/2025