HONOLULU (KHON2) — Board of Water Supply officials reassured the public that tap water is still safe after E. coli bacteria was discovered in a Kalauao Wells pump.
A site on Ala Mahamoe Street underwent routine sampling testing on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Coliform bacteria was detected in one of the samples.
On Friday, Dec. 6, officials found that only Kalauao Wells pump five tested positive for E. coli. The pump services the area from Aiea to Kahala.
The pump has been shut down to conduct further E. coli testing. It will reopen once the Department of Health approves its operation.
The tap water remains safe to drink because the raw water from this source is disinfected with chlorine before it goes to any customers. For this reason, no further action is required by customers.
Board of Water Supply in a news release
An investigation has been launched to determine the reason for E. coli’s presence.
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For more information, call the BWS Water Quality Division at (808) 202-4281 or (808) 343-0226. You can also call the EPS Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1 (800) 426-4791.