BOIL WATER NOTICE ISSUED FOR WAIALUA SUGAR PUMP 2 SYSTEM ColiBacteria Detected in Water System
BOIL WATER NOTICE ISSUED FOR WAIALUA SUGAR PUMP 2 SYSTEM
- ColiBacteria Detected in Water System
HONOLULU — On April 17, 2025, E. coli bacteria was confirmed present in the Waialua Sugar Pump 2 Public Water System’s water. These bacteria can make people sick and are especially a concern for people with weakened immune systems. Customers who are served by the Waialua Sugar Pump 2 System should not drink the water without boiling it first.
The Waialua Sugar Pump 2 water system is owned by the Waialua Water Association and serves approximately 500 persons in the northwest area of the island of O‘ahu, in the Otake and Mill Camp areas. It has been tested regularly since the Kona Low Storms. Water samples collected on April 16 tested positive for E. coli bacteria (after a 24-hour incubation) in both the water system’s source wells and distribution system. The detection of E. Coli bacteria, at the source wells, constitutes a Tier 1 Violation under the EPA’s Ground Water Rule.
Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes) or a failure in the water treatment process.
Waialua Sugar Pump 2 customers should bring all water to a boil, let it boil for three minutes and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled water, or bottled water, or water from an alternate source should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
- coliare bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The symptoms above are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If impacted customers experience any of these symptoms and they persist, they should seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice from their healthcare providers about drinking this water.
The water system is working with State officials to implement corrective actions to ensure water supplies are protected against contamination. The State is assisting with providing an alternate water source, and the water system is pursuing a temporary connection to provide interim service and treatment options for disinfection of source water. Waialua Sugar Pump 2 will announce when the wells are E. Coli free and when it is no longer necessary to boil the water.
It may take several weeks to restore parts of the system using the temporary connection mentioned above. This milestone will return potable water to your taps. However, fully resolving the contamination at the source wells may take several months. More information will be provided once a firm timeline can be confirmed.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly or who may need help translating it into another language.
For more information, please contact David Robichaux at (808) 368-5352.
