Islandwide brown water advisory canceled; new advisory issued along Hāmākua Coast to Hilo Bay
Hawai‘i Department of Health advises beach users 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.
A brown water advisory that was in effect for the entire Big Island was canceled Aug. 25; however, a new brown water advisory is now in place along the Hāmākua Coast to Hilo Bay.
Hawai‘i Department of Health advises beach users 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.
Waters could contain higher-than-normal pollutant levels.
The department recommends staying out of affected waters for 48 to 72 hours (2 to 3 days) after rain stops and the beach receives full sunshine.
Members of the public also are advised to avoid swimming, wading in or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.
Remember: if the water is brown, turn around.
Visit the Hawai‘i Department of Health Clean Water Branch website for additional information and updates.
