The state Department of Health will conduct additional water quality testing in Mahaulepu to study bacteria in recreational waters at Waiopili Ditch and in the Poipu-Koloa Watershed area on Kauai.

Mahaulepu Farm LLC will close the area around Waiopili Ditch and temporarily restrict public access from Sept. 26 to Nov. 30 while the state collects water samples. The Health Department said the closure is not expected to affect area leaseholders and tenants.

A report on water quality test results is expected to be completed by June 2017.

The department conducted an initial study in March and found high levels of enterococcus bacteria at the ditch and adjacent Waikomo Watershed, known as the Poipu-Koloa Watershed.

The state is collaborating with the University of California, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to determine bacteria sources by using the lab’s technology.