Chronic water pollution found in Honolulu
Author: Zoe Dym
The Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force found high concentrations of bacteria in freshwater sources and beaches around Honolulu, Kāneʻohe, and Haleʻiwa. Human and animal waste in water can elevate the presence of a bacteria known as Enterococcus, which can cause urinary tract infections and meningitis. Honolulu had the highest levels of Enterococci contamination around Magic Island. About 77% of water samples from the windward side of Oʻahu exceeded state health standards. The highest levels of contamination were found by Kahaluʻu, Hakipuʻu Boat Ramp, and Waiāhole Beach Park. Areas with high concentration of bacteria-infested waters also have a high concentration of cesspools. The wastewater slowly seeps out of its storage before it is able to be treated - which contaminates nearby water with sanitary waste from toilets.