Kauai residents are advised to avoid the water at Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor after a recent discharge of treated wastewater. 

The incident occurred last Thursday when crew members opened the Kikiaola ditch to drain storm water into the ocean and prevent flooding in Waimea. Kauai County spokeswoman Mary Daubert said the ditch was opened following a storm that battered the island Thursday.

Officials advised the public to avoid contact with the water at the harbor and adjacent coastal areas. The mixture of storm water, treated wastewater and brown water may contain harmful microorganisms that can cause illness. 

State health officials are currently monitoring the harbor’s water quality.