E. coli bacteria has been detected in an East Molokai water source, the Ualapue Shaft, according to the county Department of Water Supply.

“The water in the Ualapue system is safe to drink as the water has been disinfected, and no E. coli bacteria have been found in the distribution system,” the department said in an announcement.

E. coli was detected Wednesday in a water sample collected from the shaft the previous day. Testing takes 18 hours to complete. More testing will follow.

The presence of the bacteria indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. The bacteria may cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms, according to the department.

Call (808) 270-7633 with questions or problems. Safety guidelines are available by calling the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s safe drinking water hotline at (800) 426-4791.