SAN DIEGO -- A local chicken farm is under investigation, accused of allowing water tainted with feces into the county's water system.

According to public records, San Diego County has cited Armstrong Farms several times and now the Humane Society has stepped in.

A video showed what the Humane Society said was feces-tainted water leaving Armstrong Farms in Valley Center.

"This waste then runs off into our streams and our rivers and our local ground water, and is creating a serious public health risk," said Humane Society spokeswoman Kath Rogers.

According to inspection reports obtained by 10News, some of the water the farm discharged is run-off from sprinkler systems used to cool caged birds.

Rogers said it's draining more than just water.

"This is large amounts of manure that's going untreated and it's going into the ground water," said Rogers.

The Humane Society said chicken excrement could contain bacteria capable of causing serious human illnesses.

The county has not analyzed the water but said feathers and feces have been discovered in it.

The county has issued five notices of violations, one cease-and-desist order and two administration citation warnings against Armstrong Farms.

Armstrong Farms is currently under compliance, according to the county.

General Manager Alan Armstrong said the farm is resolving the problem.

"It's a problem that doesn't get solved overnight. As soon as we shut those waters off in the summer that we've been having here … in San Diego … our birds will die," said Armstrong.

A petition comes a month before voters will consider a controversial proposition that would prohibit confinement of certain animals.

Proponents said it prevents animal cruelty, while opponents said it jeopardizes food safety and public health.

The San Diego Region Water Control Board is continuing their investigation.

The farm could face up to a $10,000 a day fine.