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Brown water advisories were issued today for beaches all around Oahu, along with wastewater advisories for sewage spills, after Monday’s heavy rains across Oahu resulted in stormwater runoff into coastal waters.
The state Department of Health Clean Water Branch posted brown water advisories for Hanauma Bay and most of Oahu’s South Shore, including the shoreline from Maunalua Bay to Kahala Beach; Kuhio Beach Park and the beach fronting the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider hotels in Waikiki.
Kahana Bay on Oahu’s windward shore, Waimea Bay Beach Park on the North Shore and White Plains Beach in ‘Ewa were alsounder brown water advisories.
DOH advised the public to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff, “due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris.”
Monday’s rains resulted in multiple sanitary sewer overflows, the Honolulu Department of Environmental Services said in a press release.
“Storm water infiltrated sewer pipes surcharging various manholes, releasing a mixture of storm water and wastewater,” said ENV, which responded to sewer spills, all of which involved 1,000 gallons or more and were ongoing as of 9 p.m. Monday evening, at the following places:
>> 2311 Waiomao Road
>> Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant
>> 2702 Lowrey Ave.
>> 1015 North School St.
There was evidence of a spill reported at 1406 Mamalu St., as well.
The health department also issued advisories for streams and Honolulu Harbor Monday, warning the public to stay out of these waters due to wastewater discharges. The following areas were under advisory as of this morning:
>> Manoa Stream below Manoa District Park and the Ala Wai Canal due to wastewater discharges at 2702 Lowrey Ave., with preliminary estimates of more than 18,000 gallons.
>> Waiomao stream below 10th Avenue, Palolo stream and Ala Wai Canal due to the 2311 Waiomao Road spill.
>> Kapalama Stream below School Street, and Honolulu Harbor due to the 1015 North School St. spill.
“The public is advised to remain out of these waters until warning signs have been removed,” DOH said.
While not all coastal areas were affected, the health department added, people were advised to use their eyes and “if the water is brown stay out.”
To check on brown water and beach bacteria advisories, go to eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/landing.
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