WAILUKU, Hawaii >> Maui County is proposing to drill an exploratory groundwater well in West Maui to develop a potential new water source to meet future demand in Lahaina and nearby areas.

Lahaina’s population grew 23 percent between 2000 and 2010 and is projected to grow 13 by percent by 2020.

The Maui News reports the well would be on an abandoned pineapple field. A draft environmental assessment says it would pump 1.44 million gallons of water from Honolua Aquifer daily.

The county may convert it into a permanent production well if the water meets quality standards.

The proposed project is meant to supplement the water from the Mahina Surface Water Treatment Facility. The surface water system has difficulty meeting water needs in the region during reduced rainfall or drought.