Kaua’i streams test for human cesspool waste contamination; surf spots clean

The Surfrider Foundation’s Kaua‘i Chapter released the organization’s monthly results of pollution levels at different streams, rivers, and surf spots around the island earlier this month, revealing nearly half of the 22 sites tested showed a high presence of bacteria.

On the second Saturday of each month, Surfrider Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force samples 22 different locations around the island to check the levels of enterococcus, a bacteria indicating the presence of fecal matter in the water. 

During the most recent test on Aug. 17, the Surfrider Foundation revealed most of the streams were polluted with human wastes from cesspools.

Sites marked as green due to low levels of an enterococcus bacterial concentration with a maximum of 20 per 100 ml, were most of the surf spots: Waikoko Surf, Rock Quarry Surf, Waiohai Surf, Pakala Surf, Anahola Bay Surf, Kalihiwai Surf, Kalapaki Bay Surf, and the Anini boat ramp. 

Sites marked as yellow, with bacterial concentrations between 41 to 121 per 100 ml were Wailua River Park, First Ditch, and Middles Surf. 

Sites analyzed to be polluted were listed in red and had enterococcus concentrations between 279 to 3,448 per 100 ml.

Those sites were –  from lowest to highest concentrations of the bacteria –  Koloa Landing (Waikomo), Hanamaulu Bay beach, Waimea River mouth, Wainiha Stream, Nawiliwili Stream, The Bowl Surf (Hanalei Bay), Hanalei River, Hanamaulu Stream, Makua/Tunnels Stream, and Moloa’a Stream.

The Moloaʻa Stream was by far the dirtiest site, with a bacteria level of 3,448 per 100 ml, more than double the amount of bacteria level at the second-highest polluted site, Makua/Tunnels Stream, which tested at 1,674 per 100 ml. 

Carl Berg, a scientist with the Surfrider Foundation, advises the public to stay out of waters marked as polluted and to rinse off with fresh water after getting out of the streams or ocean. 

Additionally, if the water is brown from recent rain, he advises the public to follow the state Department of Health Brown Water Advisories and stay out of the ocean. 

Contamination is largely caused by the approximately 14,000 cesspools, which release untreated sewage and other waste into nearby soil, contaminate groundwater and seep into the island’s streams and beaches.

The state is requiring all cesspools to be converted to septic systems by 2050. Last week, the County of Kauaʻi announced that it would be providing up to $20,000 to reimburse the cost of upgrading existing cesspools to wastewater systems. 

Unlike the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, which tests popular beaches around the island, the Surfrider task force focuses on streams and surf breaks which are often more polluted.

Both organizations monitor their respective sites on a regular basis using the same method. Further information about Surfrider Foundation’s water quality results and testing is available here.