RECYCLED WATER
Recycled Water Service
What is Recycled Water?
- Non-potable: Not safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, or any human contact.
- Approved Uses Only:
- Irrigation & landscaping
- Dust control
- Industrial processes
- Other uses allowed by Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) Wastewater Branch
- Types Available:
- R-1 Water – irrigation/landscaping
- RO Recycled Water – industrial processes
- BWS Rules and Regulations require the use of nonpotable water for the irrigation of landscape areas if a suitable supply is available.
Your Responsibilities
Install, operate & maintain your onsite system.
- Use backflow prevention devices to keep recycled and potable water separate.
- Designate a trained representative to oversee safe use.
- Obtain and maintain all required permits and approvals (DOH, City, State, Federal).
- RO customers: Maintain a backup potable water supply in case of service interruptions.
- R1 irrigation customers: BWS recommends using drought-tolerant and low water use plants, and xeriscaping principles in all landscaping. We also recommend installing efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, and incorporating moisture sensors to avoid operating the irrigation system in the rain and/or if the ground has adequate moisture.
Service Conditions
- Service is not guaranteed – flow & pressure may vary.
- Temporary potable water may be allowed until service starts (for approved uses only).
- Service may be scheduled by BWS depending on system demand.
Rates & Billing
- Pay BWS published recycled water rates as listed in the Schedule of Rates & Charges.
Risks & Liability
- Recycled water is provided “as is.”
- Once delivered past the BWS connection, you are responsible for safe use.
Compliance & Inspections
- Allow BWS and regulatory agencies to inspect your facilities.
- Service may be suspended/terminated if rules are not followed.
Ending Service
- Either party may terminate service with written notice.
- BWS may terminate immediately for health, safety, or regulatory reasons.
Recycled Water Service – Steps to Get Started
Requests to use recycled water service from the Board of Water Supply must be submitted via an online form.
- Go to https://www.boardofwatersupply.com/recycled-water/application.
- Review the Recycled Water Terms & Conditions and follow Appendix A – Procedures for Customers Interested in Using Recycled Water.
- Fill out the online form – be sure to acknowledge your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions – and submit it for review.
- Submit plans to BWS.
- Submit required recycled water application to DOH.
- Install backflow prevention & schedule inspections.
- Schedule and pass Cross-Connection Control (CCC) Survey with BWS.
- Schedule and pass DOH-WWB final inspection.
- Provide DOH approval to BWS. Once the inspection is completed, the customer must provide BWS a copy of the approval to use and apply recycled water letter from DOH.
- Pay for meter → Service starts! BWS will contact the customer to come into BWS to pay for their meter.
Quick Checklist
☐ Go online to the Recycled Water Service application
☐ Review Terms & Conditions
☐ Fill out and submit the online form for review
☐ Submit DOH application & plans
☐ Install backflow & pass inspections
☐ Provide DOH approval to BWS
☐ Pay for meter → Start service!
Key Contacts
- BWS Water Conservation: (808) 748-5960 | email: conservation@hbws.org
- BWS Cross Connection: (808) 748-5470
- BWS Customer Service: (808) 748-5000
- DOH Wastewater Branch: (808) 586-4294
✅ “I understand that recycled water is not for human use, and I agree to follow all rules and guidelines for safe use.”
Download a copy of the Recycled Water Service - Quick Guide.
Get Started – Recycled Water Service Application
Updated: 01/30/2026