Surfrider Kaua‘i reports that 25 of the total 33 sites around the Garden Isle where its Blue Water Task Force tested water quality in May — or a huge 76% — showed signs of high enterococcus bacteria concentrations following heavy rainfall.
The nonprofit recently released its May 2026 Water Quality Report which revealed islandwide levels of the fecal bacteria exceed state recreational water quality standards.
Elevated levels of the fecal bacteria indicate other harmful pathogens could be present in the water, which can make people sick when enjoying ocean activities.
A single-day enterococcus concentration sample should not exceed 130 per 100 milliliters.
However, the May 9 water samples at the 25 locations with high enterococcus levels ranged from the low end of 142 per 100 milliliters at the Hanalei Bay location, also known as The Bowl, all the way up to a whopping 10,112 per 100 milliliters at Mānoa Stream.
There were three more testing locations with medium bacteria concentration levels between 36 and 130 per 100 milliliters — just on the border line of being on the high side.
The remaining five sites showed low levels of bacteria concentrations at less than 10 per 100 milliliters.
“We urge ocean users to avoid brown water and sites that exceed recreational standards for bacteria,” said Surfrider Kaua‘i in an email announcing the task force’s May testing results. “Please exercise caution after major rain events and wait at least 24 to 48 hours before recreating in the ocean.”
And always remember to rinse after being in ocean waters.
Surfrider’s volunteer-operated Blue Water Task Force tests coastal waters each month for the presence of enterococcus.
Blue Water Task Force is Surfrider’s volunteer water quality monitoring program that provides critical water quality information to protect public health at the beach, testing coastal waters each month for the presence of enterococcus bacteria.
It measures fecal indicator bacteria levels and compares them with public health standards for recreational waters.
Surfrider chapters — including Surfrider Kaua‘i — use this program to raise awareness about local pollution problems and bring together communities to implement solutions.
Kaua‘i’s Blue Water Task Force supplements beach water testing performed by Hawai‘i Department of Health to provide year-round water quality information.
Click here to view historical Surfrider Kaua‘i Blue Water Task Force data.
