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RECYCLED WATER

Recycled Water Service Application

NOTE: Review the following Terms & Conditions for Recycled Water Service before completing the online form at the bottom of this page.

Terms & Conditions

Board of Water Supply (BWS) Rules and Regulations require the use of nonpotable water if a suitable supply is available. By applying for and using recycled water service from the Board of Water Supply (BWS), you (“Customer”) agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Service & Use

  1. BWS produces two types of Recycled Water at the Honouliuli Water Recycling Facility (HWRF), one is used for industry (RO) and the other for irrigation (R-1 Effluent).
  2. The City and County of Honolulu Environmental Services (CITY ENV) supplies the HWRF with secondary treated wastewater pursuant to Amendment No. 1 to the Water Reclamation Facility Agreement dated August 10, 2000.
  3. RO Recycled Water is wastewater that is rated R-2 Water and R-1 Effluent is wastewater that is rated R-1 Water, as defined by the Department of Health, State of Hawaii (DOH), in the Reuse Guidelines, Volume II dated January 2016 (DOH Guidelines), which is published by DOH, Wastewater Branch, as amended.
  4. Recycled water provided by BWS is non-potable and must not be used for drinking, cooking, bathing, or any other human contact purposes.
  5. Recycled water may only be used for approved purposes such as irrigation, landscaping, dust control, industrial process, or other uses permitted by the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Guidelines.
  6. Customer must comply with all applicable DOH guidelines, City, State, and Federal regulations governing recycled water use. The Customer shall prepare and submit to DOH for approval the Recycled Water Application Form(s) required by DOH for the use of Recycled Water at the Property. If the Customer materially changes its Recycled Water use and such changes require an amendment to the Recycled Water Project Application Form, the Customer shall prepare applicable Recycled Project Application forms as required by DOH for the changes in the Recycled Water use. Delivery of the Recycled Water to the Property by BWS is contingent on approval of the Recycled Project Application Form(s) by DOH, and the customer submitting a copy of such approval to BWS.
  7. Note for RO Industrial Customers:
    1. The BWS’ existing lateral from the BWS RO Recycled Water main within the Facility (hereafter the “Service Connection”); the existing water meter and flow transmitter, conductivity sensor and appurtenances, control valve, double check valve backflow prevention assembly and gate valves, appurtenant below and above ground pipes, pipe fittings, pipe supports and footings, and pressure gauge assemblies (hereafter collectively the “Meter Assembly”); the remote transmitter units, electrical receptacle, mini power center inclusive of all switches, transformers, circuits and other appurtenances, panel board, panel board backing plate, supports, footings and connective hardware, conduits and cables (hereafter collectively the “Equipment Rack”) shall be used to deliver RO Recycled Water to the Customer at the Facility.
    2. BWS shall be responsible for all costs and maintenance associated with the delivery of the RO Recycled Water from the HWRF to the Meter Assembly.
    3. BWS shall be responsible for all costs and maintenance associated with the operation and maintenance of the Service Connection, Meter Assembly, Equipment Rack and Motor Starter Racks.
    4. Prior to the RO Recycled Water provided to the Customer by BWS passing through the Meter Assembly, the RO Recycled Water shall be entirely the BWS’ responsibility. BWS shall at all times comply with all applicable local, State, and Federal regulations in connection with its use and handling of the RO Recycled Water.
    5. BWS shall use its best efforts to deliver to the RO Effluent that meets the following minimum quality specifications:
      Constituent Limits
      Calcium (Ca) <1.0 mg/l
      Magnesium (Mg) <1.0 mg/l
      Total Alkalinity <10ppm
      Silica (SiO2) <1.5 mg/l
      TDS <15 mg/l
      Conductivity <30 ms/cm
      pH Between 5 and 8
      Turbidity <1 NTU

      BWS shall regularly monitor the conductivity, pressure and flow of RO Recycled Water delivered to Property and shall use its best efforts to provide at least two (2) hours advance notice to the Customer to switch to the Back Up System.
  8. Consent of Entry for Operation and Maintenance. The Customer hereby grants to BWS, its contractors, agents and assigns, a Consent of Entry for the purposes of meter reading, operating, maintaining, testing, monitoring, repairing and replacing the Service Connection, Meter Assembly, and Equipment Rack required for the delivery of RO Recycled Water to the Customer, together with ingress and egress across, through, in and upon such areas of the Facility that are required to access BWS equipment. BWS shall notify the Customer prior to entering the Customer’s property and shall comply with Customer’s restrictions and safety requirements regarding areas that are not required for BWS access to its equipment and with Customer’s procedures for accessing BWS equipment. Customer shall not be required to modify or install any new pathways or passages for access to BWS equipment and agrees to maintain the existing access routes within its facility fence line. BWS shall provide notice to Customer at least three (3) days prior to entry to allow for preparation for required safety orientation training for BWS’ employees, contractors, agents and assigns.

2. Customer Responsibilities

  1. A water meter shall be required for recycled water service. Meter sizing and installation shall be coordinated with the BWS as required by the BWS Rules and Regulations.
  2. The Customer is responsible for obtaining all necessary easements, licenses, certificates, permits, clearances, and any other approvals or authorizations required under applicable local, state, and federal regulations in connection with the preparation of construction plans for, and the connection to, the BWS Recycled Water system. All costs associated with the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Customer’s onsite facilities connected to recycled water service are the sole responsibility of the Customer.
    1. Water Meters 2-inches and Smaller. For water meters 2-inches and smaller, the BWS shall install the water meter(s) and service connection(s) for the Customer after the service has been applied and paid for. The Customer shall submit plans to the BWS indicating the R-1 Effluent demand in gallons per minute and location(s) where the water meter(s) and service connection(s) will be installed.
    2. Water Meter 3-inches and Larger. For water meters 3-inches and larger, the Customer shall be responsible for designing and installing the water meter(s) and service connection(s). The BWS shall only provide the water meter after the service has been applied and paid for. The Customer shall submit construction plans indicating the R-1 Effluent demand in gallons per minute and the location of the water meter(s) and service connection(s) for BWS review and approval and obtain any permits, easements and approvals relating to the design and installation of the water meter(s) and service connection(s). All work performed by or for the Customer shall be in accordance with the BWS Water System Standards and shall be inspected and accepted by the BWS prior to the delivery of R-1 Effluent to the Customer.
    The Customer must ensure proper cross-connection control devices and backflow prevention assemblies are installed, tested, and maintained.
  3. The Customer must designate a trained representative to oversee safe recycled water use on the property in conformance with the DOH Guidelines.
  4. The Customer shall not assign, transfer or subcontract any of its duties, obligations or interests without the prior written consent of BWS, the same of which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Additionally, any assignment made pursuant to this section shall have the following requirements: (1) the Assignee must assume all of the Customer’s obligations, and (2) the Customer shall remain liable for all obligations under this Agreement.
  5. Notes for RW customers that do not have RW energized in the system:
    1. Until recycled water becomes available for this development, the Customer will need to install a Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Prevention Assembly (RP) after their irrigation meter and have a R-1 Cross-Connection Control Survey conducted by the BWS Cross-Connection Control Section.
  6. Notes for RO Industrial customers:
    1. The Customer shall be responsible for all costs and maintenance associated with the delivery of the RO Recycled Water from the Meter assembly to all use locations within the Facility.
    2. The Customer shall be responsible to have in place a potable water system to supply water for its industrial process needs at its Property, and to implement the necessary procedures to maintain continued operations at their Property in the event BWS is unable to deliver RO Recycled Water to the Customer.
    3. As soon as the RO Recycled Water provided to the Customer by BWS passes through the Meter Assembly, the use of RO Recycled Water shall be entirely at the risk and expense of the Customer and shall be entirely the Customer’s responsibility. The Customer shall at all times comply with all applicable local, State, and Federal regulations in connection with its use and handling of the RO Recycled Water.
    4. The Customer shall be responsible for monitoring the conductivity, pressure and flow of its own process water to determine when it is in the best interest of the Customer to switch to the Back Up System.

3. Service Conditions

  1. BWS does not guarantee uninterrupted service. Service availability, pressure, and volume may vary depending on operational needs.
  2. Temporary potable water service may be used until recycled water service is available, but only for approved purposes.
  3. Customers may be placed on scheduled service times for recycled water delivery, usually at night, and might be required to have an on-site booster pump and receiving tank to provide adequate pressure and flow.

4. Rates & Charges

  1. Upon approval for the use of RW, the BWS shall provide the Customer with the “Maximum Quantity” and agree to pay BWS the published rates and charges for recycled water, as approved in the BWS Schedule of Rates and Charges. Should the Customer desire to purchase additional quantities of R-l Effluent over and above the Maximum Quantity, such “Additional Quantity” shall be subject to the availability of such R-1 Effluent and shall be purchased at the BWS published rate specified.
  2. For areas where RW is not yet energized in system, the Customer shall pay the approved potable non-residential rate, as determined in the BWS Schedule of Rates and Charges until recycled water is available for this parcel. Once it becomes available, the Customer shall purchase R-1 Effluent at the approved published rate for R-1, as determined in the BWS Schedule of Rates and Charges for the delivery of the Maximum Quantity and any Additional Quantity.

5. Acknowledgement of Risk

  1. Recycled water is provided “as is.” BWS makes no warranty as to its suitability for any specific purpose.
  2. The Customer assumes all responsibility and liability for use of recycled water once delivered past the BWS service connection.
  3. The BWS makes no warranty or representation as to the suitability of the RW. If BWS or any other governmental agency determines that the quality of the RO Recycled Water does not meet any and all quality specifications for RO Recycled Water, as set forth in the applicable DOH Guidelines, BWS shall immediately notify the Customer.
  4. For R-1 Effluent Customers: The Customer shall also have the right to reject such R-l Effluent that is not in compliance with the DOH Guidelines and have the BWS discontinue furnishing it R-1 Effluent until the BWS proves to the Customer’s reasonable satisfaction that the R-1 Effluent is in compliance with the DOH Guidelines.
  5. For RO Customers: The Customer shall have the right to reject RO Recycled Water that is not in compliance with the DOH Guidelines or the Minimum Quality Standards and have BWS discontinue furnishing it until BWS proves to the Customer’s reasonable satisfaction that the RO Recycled Water is in compliance with the DOH Guidelines and the Minimum Quality Standards.

6. Compliance & Enforcement

  1. BWS may suspend or terminate recycled water service if the Customer fails to comply with these Terms & Conditions or applicable laws and regulations.
  2. Customers must allow inspections by BWS or regulatory agencies to verify compliance.
  3. Customers must follow the Procedures for Recycled Water Use as outlined in Appendix A – Customer Procedures.

7. Limitation of Liability

  1. BWS shall not be liable for any damages or losses arising from the use or interruption of recycled water service, except as required by law.
  2. Neither Party shall be liable to the other for default or delay in the performance of obligations resulting from or attributable to any “Force Majeure Event.” A “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any act or event that prevents either Party from performing its obligations and meets all of the following criteria: (a) such act or event is beyond the reasonable control of, and not the fault of, the Party; (b) the Party has not been able to overcome such act or event by the exercise of due diligence; and (c) such act or event falls into one or more of the following categories: flood, tsunami, hurricane, typhoon, lightning, earthquake, or other natural disaster, fire, explosion, civil disturbance, war, acts of terrorism, riot, rebellion, other severe weather conditions outside a fifty year norm, acts of a public enemy, action of a court or public authority with proper jurisdiction, disease outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics, and labor disputes and strikes.

8. Termination

  1. After Customer is approved, the Agreement shall be in effect for 10 years or until it is terminated.
  2. Service may be terminated by either party upon one hundred eighty (180) days’ prior written notice to the other party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, BWS may terminate service immediately in the event of any health, safety, or regulatory non-compliance.

9. Governing Law

  1. These Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Hawaii.

Appendix A – Procedures for Customers Interested in Using Recycled Water

  1. Go to https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/recycled-water/application.
  2. Review the Recycled Water Terms & Conditions and follow Appendix A – Procedures for Customers Interested in Using Recycled Water.
  3. Fill out the online form – be sure to acknowledge your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions – and submit it for review.
  4. Await official BWS reply. If approved, submit construction/irrigation plans to BWS Customer Care, Service Engineering (BWS-CC).
    1. Construction plans need to indicate the R-1 Effluent demand in gallons per minute and location(s) where the water meter(s) and service connections(s) will be installed. All work performed by or for the Customer shall be in accordance with the BWS Water System Standards and shall be inspected and accepted by the BWS prior to the delivery of R-1 Effluent to the Customer.
    2. If temporary irrigation is needed, a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly will be required after the water meter to ensure the potable water system is protected from contamination. The developer shall submit revised construction plans showing the above ground potable water connection for review and approval. The revised construction plans shall include appropriate notes indicating that after R-1 Recycled Water becomes available, the potable water connection will be cut and plugged at the water main and the irrigation system will be reconnected to the recycled water system.
    3. Construction plans need to include the following “Recycled Water Notes”:
      “RECYCLED WATER NOTES”
      Unless otherwise specified, all materials and construction of water system facilities and appurtenances shall be in accordance with the City and County of Honolulu, Board of Water supply’s “Water System Standards,” dated 2002, the “Water System External Corrosion Control Standards,” Volume 3, dated 1991, and the Department of Health Reuse Guidelines, Volume II, dated January 2016. Note that Recycled Water irrigation operations are frequently at night. Automatic electronic controllers should be used on use areas. Also, Recycled Water system and appurtenance identification is an important consideration. Pipelines, equipment and irrigated areas shall be clearly identified in accordance with the DOH guidelines.
  5. Submit required application to the State of Hawaii, Department of Health Wastewater Branch (DOH-WWB). Wastewater Branch | Recycled Water Program
    1. In order to use R-1 recycled water for irrigation, the customer must comply with Chapter 11-62, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Wastewater Systems. The customer is required to prepare and submit to the Department of Health (DOH) Wastewater Branch a recycled water application form found in Appendix C of the DOH Volume 2 of the Reuse Guidelines dated January 2016 or at https://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/files/2018/04/gen-irr-form.pdf. The customer shall be responsible for any permitting, training, on-site improvements, and any associated costs, as may be required by the DOH. The delivery of recycled water is contingent on the customer obtaining DOH approval to use recycled water at the subject project and submitting a copy of the DOH approval to BWS.
    2. DOH may require the customer to design/retrofit their irrigation system so that it complies with DOH’s reuse guidelines for recycled water. The reuse guidelines are available on-line at

      http://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/files/2016/03/03_V1_RWFacilities.pdf
      http://health.hawaii.gov/wastewater/files/2016/03/06_V2_RW-Projects.pdf
  6. Follow DOH reuse guidelines, install RP backflow, and include recycled water notes on plans.
  7. Schedule and pass Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Survey with BWS.
    1. The customer shall contact BWS Customer Care, Cross Connection Control at 748-5470 to schedule a cross-connection control survey. After the survey has been successfully completed and all cross-connection control concerns have been addressed, Cross Connection Control will submit a letter to DOH stating that the survey has been completed and that the customer has addressed all cross-connection control concerns. This is a requirement for DOH to approve the RW use and submit a letter to the customer.
  8. Schedule and pass DOH-WWB final inspection.
  9. Provide copy of DOH approval letter to BWS.
  10. Pay for meter and activate service with BWS Customer Care.

Checklist

   ☑  Go online to the Recycled Water Service application
   ☑  Review Terms & Conditions
   ☑  Fill out and submit the online form for review
   ☑  Submit DOH application
   ☑  Submit plans to BWS CPD
   ☑  Pass BWS CCC survey
   ☑  Pass DOH inspection
   ☑  Provide DOH approval letter to BWS
   ☑  Pay for meter → Service starts

Key Contacts

    • BWS Water Conservation: (808) 748-5960
    • BWS Cross Connection: (808) 748-5470
    • BWS Customer Care: (808) 748-5000
    • DOH WWB: (808) 586-4294

Download a copy of the Recycled Water Service - Terms & Conditions.

Board of Water Supply logo

Recycled Water Service Application


Mahalo for your interest in using recycled water. To request recycled water service from the Board of Water Supply, please complete the following online form. Be sure to review the Terms & Conditions above.

Updated: 01/31/2026

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