The state Department of Health has issued a brown-water advisory for north and east Kaua'i.

Heavy rains have caused silt-laden runoff from Hanalei Bay to Nawiliwili, and the DOH Clean Water Branch is warning people to stay out of the water until it clears.

"The public is advised to stay out of flood waters and storm water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, pesticides, animal fecal matter, dead animals, chemicals and associated flood debris," the advisory said. "If coastal waters are turbid and brown, stay out."

Alec Wong, chief of the Clean Water Branch, said people should stay out of the water for two or three days after a storm.

"It takes about two to three days to settle, and when the sun comes back, it kills the germs and bacteria," Wong said.