E. coli bacteria turned up in a sample taken from a Maui well on Friday, the county Department of Water Supply confirms.

The positive result came from at the Kepaniwai Well in Wailuku, the department said in an emailed statement Saturday. The test takes 18 hours.

Later sampling was negative for E. coli bacteria and the water is safe to drink, the department said.The he contamination likely came externally from the sampling tap, the department said.  

Department personnel are inspecting sampling taps at all sites to prevent future contamination of water samples.  

The presence of E. coli indicates water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes.

The microbe, if ingested, can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems, the department said.

Residents who would like more information should call 270-7633.