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+--- Thread: Code Brown Water Advisory Issued for Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast on Hawai’i Island (/showthread.php?tid=23596)
Code Brown Water Advisory Issued for Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast on Hawai’i Island - terracore - 03-12-2025
Big Island – The Hawaii Department of Health has issued a Brown Water Advisory for Hilo Bay and along the Hamakua coast on Hawai’i Island, effective today. The advisory is a result of recent heavy rainfall in the area.
The Department of Health is urging residents and visitors to avoid entering the water in affected areas until the advisory is lifted. Brown or murky water, especially following periods of heavy rain, can contain elevated levels of pollutants. These pollutants can include bacteria, pathogens, and debris that pose a health risk to those who come into contact with the water.
Health officials recommend staying out of the water for 48-72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine. This allows time for the water to clear and for pollutant levels to subside.
In addition to pollution concerns, the Department of Health is reminding the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria and can be contracted through contact with contaminated water. More information about leptospirosis can be found on the Department of Health website: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/leptospirosis/
“If the water is brown, turn around,” is the message being emphasized by the Department of Health.
The Department of Health will continue to monitor water quality and will issue an update when the advisory is lifted.
For more information about the Brown Water Advisory, please visit: https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb#!/event/1905/details/view
https://bigislandthieves.com/brown-water-advisory-issued-for-hilo-bay-and-hamakua-coast-on-hawaii-island/