Brown water advisory issued for Hilo Bay, Hamakua coast

A brown water advisory has been issued for Hilo Bay and along the Hāmākua Coast on the Big Island.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain when the water may contain higher-than-normal pollutant levels.

The department recommends staying out of these affected waters for 48 to 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 in, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira.

If the water is brown, turn around. For more information and updates, visit the Department of Health website.