Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) – looking for volunteer to gather water samples at K Bay (in Haiku) once a month. Must have wheels. Also looking for BWTF coordinators on the south and west sides. There have been water quality issues here on Maui, and we at Surfrider feel that it is important for all ocean lovers to “know before you go.” Please contact us to volunteer!
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Having data-driven evidence of polluted beach water not only increases public awareness, but strengthens the case for necessary action towards solutions.
Surfrider Maui Chapter officially launched Maui’s Blue Water Task Force water monitoring program on March 18, 2017. Samples from 18 different sites between Pe’ahi and Waihe’e Beach Park were collected by volunteers and taken to the Marine Biology Department at the University of Hawai’i Maui College for testing. We will have data published on our website as soon as the lab tests are processed. Our goal is to ensure the public is aware of bacteria levels and can then make informed decisions regarding water entry.
Surfrider Maui’s Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) is part of a national water quality testing program hosted by Surfrider Foundation. BWTF volunteers test for Enterococcus bacteria on a regular basis at popular beaches and surf spots. Enterococcus bacteria is an indication of fecal contamination of warm blooded animals, particularly humans. Clostridium is a secondary fecal indicator used by the State of Hawaii’s Department of Health and is normally found in the intestines of mammals. Surfrider sampling over the years has documented chronic levels of pollution at Kanaha, the stream at Launiupoko, Ma’alaea Harbor, and Spreckelsville Beach.