Brown Water Advisory Issued for Kalapaki Beach, Health Warnings Follow

The Hawai‘i Department of Health issued a brown water advisory for Kalapaki Beach on Kaua‘i on December 17 following recent storms and heavy rain. Officials advised beachgoers to stay out of ocean water when it appears brown or murky because runoff after storms can carry sediments and higher than normal levels of pollutants into nearshore waters.

The department recommended that people avoid entering the ocean for 48 to 72 hours after the rain has stopped and after the beach has received full sunshine. This guidance is intended to reduce exposure to whatever contaminants runoff may carry into swimming areas, and to allow natural settling and dilution to restore clearer conditions.

In addition to the ocean advisory, state health officials urged residents and visitors to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or pond. The warning underscores the risk of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria that can be present in contaminated fresh water following heavy rains. Avoiding contact with discolored or flowing freshwater is a preventive step the department highlighted.

The advisory is especially relevant as the island continues to recover from recent weather and as residents use beaches and streams for recreation during the holiday period. Kalapaki Beach is a popular local destination and the advisory affects those who planned to swim, snorkel, or recreate in nearshore waters. By following the department recommendations, residents can reduce their chance of exposure to pollutants and waterborne bacteria until conditions improve.

The department advised that more information is available on its website. Local residents should monitor beach conditions, avoid entering water that looks brown or murky, and heed official guidance before returning to swimming and freshwater activities.