The Archdiocese of San Francisco installed a system at Saint Mary’s Cathedral that would dump water onto the ground near doorways where homeless people would often attempt to sleep, causing an outcry that has prompted the archdiocese to remove the system.

The archdiocese decided to install the system after learning that similar homeless deterrents had been commonly used in the Financial District, and leadership wanted it installed because of the risk of needles, feces, and other dangerous items that are often left by the homeless in those doorways, according to a Washington Post report.

The archdiocese further defended itself by saying that it was the largest support of services for the homeless population of San Francisco, along with the Catholic St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The system was first reported on by a local TV station, which quoted a homeless man as saying the area has signs that says “no trespassing,” although there are no signs warning them of the water system, which pours water through a hole in the ceiling 30 feet up and drenches anyone near it after running for about 75 seconds once every 30 to 60 minutes.

Authorities say it may be in violation of the city’s Department of Building Inspection, and the department issues a notice of violation.

The archdiocese said they have heard the complaints and are already working to remove the system.

Homeless people attempted to circumvent the system by using umbrellas or other gear that would repel water, but they said they were concerned it would cause him to get sick, according to the local TV station’s report.

The archdiocese said that people were informed in advance that such water systems were being installed, and that they weren’t trying to get them to stay away from the cathedral, but relocate to a safer part of it.