The north kona deep well project to develop a new high quality water source

The County of Hawaii Water Supply Department received a $2.08 million Cooperative Agreement award from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 under the Congressionally Mandated Projects program (CFDA 66.202), effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. The award funds the North Kona Deep Well Project, which will develop a new high-quality water source to reduce dependency on aging, energy-intensive basal aquifer sources and meet increasing water demands in the North Kona region. Project activities include clearing and grading approximately 0.53 acres for the well pad, drilling and testing an initial borehole to access the confined aquifer, widening the borehole to final specifications, installing casing to isolate the freshwater source, and conducting final water quality testing to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

The project will deliver a fully constructed deep well with detailed engineering and water testing reports, with anticipated outcomes including reduced reliance on the basal aquifer (projected to save approximately $300,000 annually in energy and maintenance costs), improved water quality for the community, and long-term affordability of North Kona's water infrastructure. The beneficiary population includes over 3,000 residential, commercial, and governmental customers, particularly those along Queen Kaahumanu and Kuakini Highway. No sub-awards are included in this assistance agreement.

The project aims to reduce dependency on aging, energy-intensive basil aquifer sources and meet increasing water demands in the north kona region. The new well will TAP a high-quality aquifer, improving water quality, reducing operational cost, and supporting long-term sustainability. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $2,080,000. See terms and conditions.activities:the activities to be performed under the north kona deep well will clearing, grading, and preparing approximately 0.53 acres of land to accommodate the well pad and supporting infrastructure. An initial borehole will be drilled to access the confined aquifer layer ensuring a straight well alignment and allowing for water quality and capacity testing. Once, confirmed, the borehole will be widened to final specification, and casting will be installed to isolate the deep freshwater source from the basel lens. The complete well will then then undergo final testing to ensure compliance with water quality standards. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include a fully constructed deep well that reliable accesses a high-quality aquifer, detailed engineering and water testing reports. The expected outcomes are significant: the new well is projected to reduce reliance on the basal aquifer by approximately $300,000 in annual saving through reduced energy and maintenance cost and improve overall water quality available to the community. The intended beneficiaries include over 3,000 residential, commercial, and governmental customers, particularly those located along queen kaahumanu and kuakini highway. More broadly the project will support the long-term affordability north kona's water infrastructure.