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 26 designated beaches throughout the territory during July 15 – July 19, 2024. However, the territory experienced significant rain in the days following sample collection. Please be advised that there may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in stormwater-impacted areas because of increased concentrations of bacteria or other contaminants.
The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
St. Thomas
Lindbergh Bay
Secret Harbor
Bluebeard’s Beach
Frenchman’s Bay
Hull Bay
Lindqvist Beach
Vessup Bay
Bolongo Bay
Brewers Bay
Magens Bay
Coki Point
Sapphire Beach
St. John
Cruz Bay
Oppenheimer Beach
Johnson Bay
Frank Bay
Great Cruz Bay
Water Island
Honeymoon Beach
Please note: Samples were not collected on the following beaches:
- Water Bay on St. Thomas
- Protestant Cay on St. Croix
- Sprat Hall on St. Croix
- Rainbow Beach on St. Croix
- Cane Bay on St. Croix
- Gentle Winds on St. Croix
- Pelican Cove (Comorant) on St. Croix
- Buccaneer Beach on St. Croix
- Columbus Landing on St. Croix
- New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta) on St. Croix
- Grapetree Bay on St. Croix.
Therefore, the water quality at these beaches is unknown.
All persons should be aware that stormwater runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and, therefore, should avoid areas of stormwater runoff (i.e., guts, puddles and drainage basins) or any areas that appear discolored or has foul odors. DPNR will continue to monitor impacted areas and waters.
For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.
