Residents in a small section of Makawao have been advised to boil their drinking water or use bottled water until the Department of Water Supply can resolve a problem with E. coli bacteria contamination.

The problem was discovered Wednesday and involves fewer than 50 households, said county spokeswoman Mahina Martin. The area spans from the Makawao Fire Station and Nane Lane to the intersection of Makawao Avenue and Old Haleakala Highway.

Ki'i Place, Pukalani Square and Pukalani Superette are on a different waterline and are not affected, Martin said. Pukalani Baptist Church also is not affected.

Bacterial contamination can occur from a break in the distribution system. Martin said water department personnel are collecting water samples, flushing the system and monitoring chlorine levels and hope to resolve the problem by today. Residents will be advised when boiling of water is no longer needed.

Until then, water intended for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation should be boiled for at least one minute to kill bacteria and other organisms.