The brown water advisory for all of Kaua‘i has been lifted, but health officials have issued a new, more limited advisory for coastal waters between Lydgate Beach and Wailua Beach, according to the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
The advisory warns that ocean conditions in the affected area may be unsafe due to storm runoff, which can carry elevated levels of pollutants into nearshore waters.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises the public to avoid entering the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, particularly after heavy rain. Officials recommend staying out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ends and conditions return to normal, including full sunlight at the beach.
Health officials also cautioned against swimming, wading, or drinking from freshwater streams and ponds, where contamination risk may be higher following storms.
Exposure to such water can increase the risk of leptospirosis, a bacterial illness caused by Leptospira. Beachgoers seeking more information can click here.
