A Brown Water Advisory has been issued afor Hilo Bay and along the Hamakua Coast.

The state Department of Health advises beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky — especially following storms or heavy rain. After heavy rain, the water may contain higher than normal pollutant levels.

DOH recommends staying out of the water for two to three days after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine.

DOH also advises 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.