The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program, which evaluates weekly water quality at popular swimming beaches throughout the territory by sampling for enterococci bacteria and turbidity, which is a measure of water clarity, advises the public of the following:
DPNR performed water quality analysis at 28 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of June 18-22, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Cramer Park
Shoy’s
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Buccaneer
Chenay Bay
Ha’ penny
Stoney Ground
Dorsch
Frederiksted Public Beach
Cane Bay
Rainbow
Protestant Cay
St. Thomas
Lindqvist
Magens Bay
Secret Harbor
Lindbergh Bay
Brewers Bay
Hull Bay
Water Bay
Sapphire
St. John
Great Cruz Bay
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Oppenheimer
Johnson Bay
The following beaches do not meet water quality standards because they exceed the established enterococci bacteria threshold and, therefore, are not considered to be safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Thomas
Coki Point
Vessup Bay
Bluebeard’s
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
• Pelican Cove (Comorant), Princess Condo Row and Grapetree Bay on St. Croix
• Bolongo Bay and Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas
Therefore, the water quality of these beaches is unknown.
High levels of enterococci bacteria and turbidity may be caused by runoff due to heavy rains, heavy marine vessel traffic, high wave activity near the shoreline, irresponsible recreational use, etc. Runoff can consist of sediment, pesticides, animal feces, and oil and grease, all of which are harmful to the waters of the territory.
DPNR will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. It also recommends that people use their own discretion when swimming or fishing at the designated beaches. If the waters appear muddy or murky or have foul odors, do not swim or fish.
For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix.
