The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program, which evaluates weekly water quality at 43 popular swimming beaches throughout the territory, advises the public of the following: 

 

Due to recent heavy rainfall and the anticipation of more rain over the weekend, DPNR advises the public to refrain from using areas that are affected by storm-water runoff until these effects subside. Parents are advised to instruct their children to keep away from storm-water-impacted beaches as well as areas with manholes and storm-water flooding. 

 

There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in storm-water-impacted areas as a result of increased concentrations of bacteria. All persons should also be aware that storm-water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and therefore all persons should avoid areas of storm-water runoff (i.e. guts, puddles, and drainage basins).

 

DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters. For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 in St. Croix. 

Advertising (skip)