Brown water advisory canceled for Big Island after almost a week

A brown water advisory issued late last week for Hawai‘i Island was canceled.

The advisory was issued Jan. 31 by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch for the entire island because of stormwater runoff entering coastal waters from heavy rains associated with the significant winter storm that moved through the state at the end of last week.

Heavy rainfall can cause stormwater runoff into coastal waters around the island. That runoff could contain cesspool and sewer overflow, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals and other associated flood debris.

Officials recommended staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the heavy rain stopped and the beach has received full sunshine.

It has been nearly a week since the advisory was issued.

It’s also good advice to continue practicing good personal hygiene and follow up with your primary care physician if you have any health concerns.