A brown water advisory is in effect for Lawa‘i Beach Park on Kaua‘i.
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 in the area.
The water might contain higher than normal pollutant levels after storms or heavy rain.
State health officials recommend staying out of affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after the rain stopped and after the beach received full sunshine.
The department advises the public 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 Health Department Clean Water Branch website for additional information and updates.
