MAKAWAO, Maui -- Residents in a small section of Makawao no longer need to boil their water, according to the Department of Water Supply.

Water-quality test results today showed no presence of E. coli or total coliform bacteria in the water, the department said.

The contamination was discovered Tuesday when a routine water sample taken by the agency was found to be positive for E. coli bacteria. Fewer than 50 households were affected in an area from the Makawao Fire Station and Nane Lane to the intersection of Makawao Avenue and Old Haleakala Highway.

Water department spokeswoman Jacky Takakura said the contamination may have been caused by maintenance work on the distribution system. The agency will continue to investigating the cause, she said.