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For Immediate Release
April 18, 2017

Consumer Alert: Board of Water Supply Impersonators

Water Contamination Claim Used as Pretext to Gain Entry to Home 

HONOLULU – The Board of Water Supply (BWS) is alerting the public of individuals claiming to be BWS employees in order to gain access to the homes of customers.

In a recent incident, a Kaimuki family was contacted by two males requesting to check the water quality due to an alleged water main break.  Both men were wearing safety vests to appear official, however, were in non-BWS attire and did not possess the proper BWS credentials.  The two men are described as local, in their early 30s; one man is believed to be between five-foot ten and six-feet tall.

The BWS reminds the public that, if you are approached by someone saying he/she is from the BWS, all personnel involved in official BWS activities will be properly credentialed: wearing official BWS attire with the BWS logo, driving BWS labeled vehicles, and carrying an official City and County of Honolulu badge, with the agency identified as the BWS. See attached photos.

More photos of official BWS attire and vehicles can be viewed at http://www.boardofwatersupply.com/community/news-and-updates/consumer-alert. Additionally, the BWS does not conduct leak detection on customer property nor inside the residence and does not schedule appointments outside its regular business hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Residents who want to confirm the validity of an individual claiming to be a BWS employee may call the BWS at 748-5000 or call the Honolulu Police Department at 9-1-1 if they are suspicious of an individual’s credentials. Customers may also call the BWS at 748-5041 to file an additional report.

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Photos are attached for your consideration and use. The photos are courtesy of the Board of Water Supply.


Contact:

Kathleen Elliott-Pahinui
Information Officer
Honolulu Board of Water Supply
Phone: (808) 748-5319