All Clear Issued After E. Coli Violation at Kepaniwai Well

Kepaniwai Heritage Park, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Department of Water Supply was notified of a drinking water rule violation relating to the presence of E. coli bacteria at the Kepaniwai Well in Wailuku, officials said.

According to officials with the DWS, the violation was discovered after a sample collected from the location on Nov. 7, 2013.  The test, which requires 18 hours to complete, came back positive for the presence of E. coli on Nov. 8, 2013, according to water officials.

“Subsequent sampling was negative for E. coli bacteria and the water is safe to drink,” according to information released by the Maui Department of Water Supply.

Water officials say the contamination likely came externally from the sampling tap.

DWS Administrative Officer Jacky Takakura, said, “DWS personnel are inspecting, and if necessary, securing sampling taps at all sites to prevent contamination of future water samples.”

Officials at the department explained that, “E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.”

Residents who would like more information about the situation can contact the DWS service line at 270-7633.

The notification of violation was issued by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.