Brown water advisory issued for Hilo Bay and Hāmākua Coast

The state Department of Health has issued a brown water advisory for Hilo Bay and along the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island.

Recent rain 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.

Not all coastal areas might be impacted by runoff; however, if the water is brown, stay out.

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