Residents of Kula, a rural community in Maui, Hawaii, are wondering when they will be able to drink tap water again without boiling it first. The county issued a boil water advisory on August 11, after tests showed high levels of coliform bacteria in the water system.
Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms that are commonly found in soil, plants, and animal feces. They are not necessarily harmful by themselves, but they indicate the possible presence of other pathogens, such as E. coli, that can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and other illnesses.
The county said that the contamination was likely caused by heavy rains that washed dirt and debris into the water sources. The county also said that it was working to flush and disinfect the water system, and that it would lift the advisory once the water quality met the state standards.
However, more than two weeks have passed since the advisory was issued, and the residents of Kula are still waiting for the green light to drink their tap water. Some residents have expressed frustration and anxiety over the situation, saying that they have to spend extra money and time to buy or boil bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing their teeth.
Some residents have also complained about the lack of communication and transparency from the county, saying that they have not received any updates or explanations about the status of the water system or the expected duration of the advisory. They have also questioned why other areas of Maui have not been affected by the same problem.
The county has apologized for the inconvenience and assured the residents that it is doing everything possible to restore safe drinking water as soon as possible. The county has also advised the residents to check its website and social media accounts for the latest information and updates.
The county has also provided free bottled water to the residents at various locations, such as schools, community centers, and fire stations. The county has also offered free water testing kits to the residents who want to check their own water quality.
The boil water advisory affects about 1,800 customers in Kula, which is located on the slopes of Haleakala volcano. Kula is known for its cool climate, scenic views, and agricultural products, such as flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
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