Bacteria levels near the sewage outfall pipe at Puhi Bay are within safety limits following the discovery of a small leak, according to Hawaii County’s wastewater division chief. ADVERTISING Bacteria levels near the sewage outfall pipe at Puhi Bay are
Bacteria levels near the sewage outfall pipe at Puhi Bay are within safety limits following the discovery of a small leak, according to Hawaii County’s wastewater division chief.
Dora Beck said the leak was found last August during a dye test. Repairs, which also will include preventive maintenance, should be done in the spring, she said.
Signs have been posted near the pipe warning people to avoid swimming or fishing nearby.
Beck said samples taken daily show bacteria levels under recreational standards.
She also noted the county increased its use of chlorine to disinfect the wastewater.
Dye tests are done every five years.
Beck described the leak as small, but she didn’t have additional details.
“The warning signs are up as a precautionary measure,” she said.
The pipe extends about three-quarters of a mile into the ocean.
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