If water is brown, turn around: Advisory issued for Hilo Bay and along Hāmākua Coast

A brown water advisory is in effect for Hilo Bay and along the Hāmākua Coast to the northern-most point of the Big Island because of runoff associated with recent heavy rains along the island’s windward slopes.

Hawai‘i Department of Health officials advise beachgoers and ocean enthusiasts to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky in the advisory areas.

The water could contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

State Health Department recommendations also include staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after stormy weather or heavy rainfall ends and returning only once a beach has received full sunshine.

Members of the public also should not swim, wade in or drink water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis, which is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.

Click here for additional information about leptospirosis.

It’s always good policy to remember: If the water is brown, turn around.