The Department of Planning and Natural Resources advises the community that as a result of the effects of Tropical Storm Irene, the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) has reported negative environmental impacts throughout the territory caused by storm-water runoff and rough seas.
DPNR advises the public to refrain from swimming and bathing in coastal waters throughout the territory until it completes beach water quality testing. DPNR further advises parents to keep children away from storm-water-impacted beaches as well as areas with manholes and stormwater 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 contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health; therefore, all persons should avoid areas of storm-water runoff (i.e. guts, puddles and drainage basins).
DPNR additionally reminds the public to take the following steps to protect the drinking water resources subsequent to a major storm or hurricane:
1) Cisterns should be disinfected by adding six (6) fluid ounces of liquid bleach containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (i.e. Clorox) for every 1,000 gallons of water into the cistern. A period of at least four hours should be allowed for the chlorine to react with the water before the water is consumed. Smaller quantities of water may be utilized for drinking if boiled for at least three to five minutes or sterilized with eight to ten drops of liquid chlorine, containing 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite, per gallon of water.
For additional information regarding coastal water quality and drinking water, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.
