Bacteria notification, brown water advisory issued for waters off East Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Department of Health issued a bacteria notification for one East Hawai‘i beach and surrounding waters as well as a brown water advisory for a portion of the East Hawai‘i coast.

State health officials are retesting the waters of Honoli‘i Cove and surrounding area on the east side of the Big Island after bacteria levels of 429 per 100 mL — exceeding the state’s permitted threshold — were detected during routine water monitoring.

A bacteria threshold exceedance notification was issued for the area.

State health officials are uncertain about the representativeness of the first water sample as this beach has historically met the acceptable threshold level and there is no known source of fecal contamination.

Therefore, another water sample was collected and is being retested. The state will update the public based on those retesting results.

Visit the state Clean Water Branch website and click here for additional information.

A brown water advisory also was issued for Hilo Bay and areas to the north along the Hāmākua Coast on the island’s east side.

Beach users are advised to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky — especially following storms or heavy rain — even if a brown water advisory is not issued for the area.

The water after storms or heavy rainfall could contain higher than normal pollutant levels, and health officials recommend staying out of affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain stops and the beach received full sunshine.

They also advise the public to avoid swimming, wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent the bacterial infection leptospirosis.

Remember: if the water is brown, turn around.

Visit the Clean Water Branch website for additional information.