HONOLULU – An elevated count of a specific type of bacteria, enterococcus, was measured in a single sample of treated effluent collected at the Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Dec. 24, 2024, at 8:15 a.m., which was higher than the single sample daily maximum limitation for enterococcus under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the Kailua Regional WWTP.
The sample was collected at the effluent monitoring station, within the treatment plant, before discharging at the deep ocean outfall located approximately 5,000 feet from the shoreline at a depth of 105 feet below the surface of the water. Enterococcus analysis requires a 24-hour test. The most recent prior single sample, taken December 23, was within the daily permit limitations.
The city will continue to collect daily samples of the treated effluent at Kailua Regional WWTP until the data confirms that effluent enterococcus levels remain within the permit limit. During this time, signs will be posted to stay out of waters near the outfall. This notification will be updated upon confirmation of the city’s additional monitoring efforts.
During this time, the city will also continue to collect daily samples at the seven shoreline stations at the beaches in Kailua Bay near the WWTP and post them in real time on our website. To view the latest data, please visit https://www8.honolulu.gov/env/kailua-water-quality-data/. This website exists to allow the public to make their own informed decisions about entering beach waters.
─ PAU ─
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