Update: Brown water advisory canceled for for Hilo Bay

Update at 6:58 p.m. Nov. 13: The Hawai‘i Department of Health canceled the brown water advisory that was previously in effect for Hilo Bay on the east side of the Big Island. The advisory had been in effect since Oct. 30.

Original post at 8:56 a.m. Oct. 30: A Brown Water Advisory has been issued at Hilo Bay in East Hawai‘i.

According to the Hawai‘i Department of Health, officials advise beachgoers to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain. After storms or heavy rain, the water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

The Department recommends staying out of the water for 48-72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.

The Department of Health advises the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.

For more information, click here.

If the water is brown, turn around.

For more information, click here.