The Hawaiʻi Department of Health's brown water advisory covers coastal waters along Pākalā Beach on west Kauaʻi. Map: Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch / Google Maps

PĀKALĀ, KAUAʻI — The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has issued a brown water advisory for coastal waters at Pākalā advising beachgoers to avoid entering water that appears brown or murky.

Brown water advisories are issued when heavy rainfall or runoff may carry pollutants into coastal waters, potentially creating unsafe swimming conditions.

The department generally advises beachgoers to stay out of brown or murky water, particularly near storm drains and stream mouths, because runoff may contain harmful microorganisms and other contaminants.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to check the department’s latest advisories before entering the ocean.

For additional information and current advisory status, visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch.

Source: Hawaiʻi Department of Health, Clean Water Branch.