The state health department issued a brown water advisory for Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore this morning due to large surf that resulted in stormwater runoff entering into coastal waters.

Brown water advisories also remain in effect for Hanalei Bay on Kauai, the entire island of Maui, Kakahaia Wildlife Refuge on Molokai, and Hilo Bay and the North-East coast of Hawaii island.

As a general rule, the health department recommends staying out if the water is brown.

“The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemical and associated flood debris,” said the advisory.

The public should continue to practice good personal hygiene and follow up with a primary care physician if there are any health concerns.