Update: Brown water advisory canceled for Big Island’s Hāmākua Coast

Update at 5 p.m. Nov. 13: The Hawai‘i Department of Health reports the brown water advisory that was previously in effect for the Hāmākua Coast on the east side of the Big Island has been canceled.

Original story from 2:11 p.m. Nov. 6: The Hawai‘i Department of Health has issued a brown water advisory for the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island.

The public is advised to stay out of water when it appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rainfall, as it can contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

If the water is brown, turn around.

The state Health Department recommends staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the rain stops and the beach has received full sunshine.

Avoid swimming and wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.

For more information about leptospirosis, click here.