Boil Water Advisory Issued for Honokōhau, Possible E. Coli Contamination

Boil water advisory, Honokōhau. PC: Maui Now.

The Department of Water Supply is advising customers in the Honokōhau area to boil water before consumption due to possible E. coli contamination. Customers should boil drinking water for one minute and let it cool before consuming, or use bottled water. Boiling water as instructed will kill bacteria and other organisms that may be present in the water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice.

The Department is increasing the chlorine levels and increasing sampling for coliform bacteria to determine the source of the contamination. Another press release will be issued to lift the boil water advisory once samples show no contamination. The Department is anticipating resolving the issue within the next 48 hours. In the meantime, a potable water tanker will be located on Honokōhau Valley Road for drinking and cooking.

Fecal coliforms and 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, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Bacterial contamination can result from increased run-off entering a drinking water source, such as during heavy rain. It can also result from a break in the distribution system, such as a waterline, or a failure in the water treatment process.

Please call the 24-hour hotline at 270-7633 if a water-related problem occurs or if there are any questions. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.