Question: Recently we had not one, but two water main breaks on Kamehameha Highway along the rail route. Several days later my water was still appearing milky white. Before the most recent water main break, I had purchased a new Brita faucet filter replacement. The filtered water is less milky white, but I believe I will have to replace the entire filter again, because apparently any dirt etc. was captured by the filter. When do we know our tap water is safe to drink and wash dishes with, and will the county be reimbursing anything, such as my filter system?

Answer: The milky appearance you described likely was caused by harmless air bubbles, according to the Honolulu Board of Water Supply, which said your water has been safe to drink since the main was fixed.

Tracy Burgo, the Board of Water Supply’s acting information officer, explained the process crews follow to ensure water quality after every repair, and how customers may sign up for email and text alerts about water emergencies. She also said customers who suffer losses due to water main breaks may file financial claims (which might or might not be approved) against the agency. Here is her full reply:

“On Saturday, April 30, BWS crews worked to repair a 12-inch water main at 98-159 Kamehameha Highway in the Aiea area. The initial water main break and resulting repair work caused several BWS customers to experience lower-than-normal water pressure, or to be without water service. BWS crews worked throughout the day to fully restore water service and complete the repair.

“(Water service was initially restored at about 5 p.m. that day, but crews then found a leak elsewhere on the pipe, which they worked through the night to fix. Service was restored early the next day.)

“When a water main break occurs, BWS crews do several things to ensure that water from a repaired main is safe to drink when the work is done. They:

“>> Flow water through the main, at a low rate, while excavating to repair the broken main. This is necessary to prevent debris from entering the water main. The water flow is shut off only when water from the break cannot flow back into the main.

“>> Disinfect the new section of pipe before installing it.

“>> Flush water through the repaired line to ensure the water is fit for consumption to protect public health and ensure water quality.

“In most cases, customers will not notice any difference in their water after a main break occurs. However, there are some occasions where area customers may notice temporary discoloration of their water. For example, milky water, as your reader described, is typically caused by tiny air bubbles in the line resulting from construction work that vibrates the pipe. Air bubbles in pipes do not affect the quality or safety of the water. Generally, if you let the water sit, the bubbles will dissipate.

“If a customer notices any discoloration in their water, flushing out property lines usually addresses this concern. Simply run a faucet or hose bib for a few minutes to get rid of the air and color. If the problem persists, customers can call the BWS 24-hour Water Emergency Hotline at 748-5000 for further instruction or assistance.

“A customer who experiences damage as a result of a main break can file a claim with the BWS for reimbursement consideration.

“The BWS takes seriously its responsibility to provide safe and dependable drinking water to Oahu residents. The BWS utilizes the Nixle communication service to distribute emergency updates and traffic advisories to the community via email and/or text message. Nixle is a secure and free service that is available by logging on to www.nixle.com. The BWS distributes updates on water main breaks that affect major traffic thoroughfares or a significantly large number of customers.”

Mahalo

To the author of Tuesday’s E Kala Mai letter (808ne.ws/1TzuotJ), with thanks: My husband showed me the letter about the “very irritated” person in the shredding event line because I had told him about it and how very sorry I was that I hadn’t been more understanding and shown some aloha. So I’m happy that your letter to Kokua Line has given me an opportunity to say I’m sorry also and I resolve anew to “live aloha.” — Mahalo, L.N.

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.