WAIMEA — To prevent flooding from occurring in Waimea due to the heavy rains, the Kikiaola irrigation ditch was opened this morning, allowing storm water mixed with treated wastewater from the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant to flow into Kikiaola Small
WAIMEA — To prevent flooding from occurring in Waimea due to the heavy rains, the Kikiaola irrigation ditch was opened this morning, allowing storm water mixed with treated wastewater from the Waimea Wastewater Treatment Plant to flow into Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor.
Warning signs are posted at the harbor to inform the public that treated wastewater is present in the outflow from the Kikiaola ditch.
Officials estimate that up to 300,000 gallons of treated wastewater may have been involved in the spill.
The state Department of Health has been notified and water quality in the area is being monitored and coordinated by county and state officials.
The public is advised to avoid contact with surface and storm water at the harbor as well as the adjacent coastal areas. The mixture of storm water, treated wastewater, and brown water due to heavy rains may contain harmful microorganisms that can cause illness.
