Brown water advisory issued for several West Hawai‘i locations

If the water is brown, stay out.

The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued a brown water advisory for Kawaihae Harbor, Spencer Beach Park, Mau‘umae Beach, Mauna Kea Beach, Hāpuna Beach Park and Puakō Bay in West Hawai‘i.

While not all coastal areas in these locations might be impacted, heavy rainfall has resulted in stormwater runoff entering coastal waters. The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and stormwater runoff because of possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals and associated flood debris.

Continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns.