(BIVN) – A Brown Water Advisory has been issued for Hilo Bay and the Hāmākua coast on Hawaiʻi island.
The Department of Health Clean Water Branch on Wednesday said beach users should 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 Health Department recommends staying out of the affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped, and after the beach has received full sunshine.
Health officials also advised the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria.
“If the water is brown, turn around,” the health department advisory stated.
