UPDATED 3 p.m.

Hilo Union Elementary, Hilo Intermediate and Hilo High are scheduled to reopen Wednesday.

The county Department of Water Supply confirmed repairs have been completed, and schools have verified that conditions on campus are safe to resume normal operations, according to the DOE.

UPDATED 10:23 a.m.

The water shortage in Hilo has forced the closure of three public schools, according to the state Department of Education.

Hilo High School, Hilo Union Elementary School and Hilo Intermediate School are closed today because they do not have enough running water to safely operate, the DOE said.

The department said it is coordinating with county water officials and facilities crews to restore service as quickly as possible.

Residents with questions can contact DWS at (808) 961-8050 during business hours or email dws@hawaiidws.org.

PREVIOUSLY

Effective immediately and until further notice, a water restriction notice has been issued for all Department of Water Supply (DWS) customers in downtown Hilo. A water restriction notice requires affected customers to reduce water use by at least 25%.

According to DWS, this measure is necessary to allow the Piihonua No. 3 tank near Carvalho Park to be refilled. The tank unexpectedly went empty last night or early this morning and DWS crews are investigating its cause.

DWS asks customers to use water wisely and not waste it. For more information call (808) 961-8050 during normal business hours or email dws@hawaiidws.org. For after-hours emergencies, call (808) 961-8790.