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 31 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of Aug. 13-17, 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
Dorsch
Frederiksted Public Beach
Cane Bay
Pelican Cove (Comorant) Protestant Cay
Rainbow
Columbus Landing
Spratt Hall
St. Thomas
Magens Bay
Brewers Bay
Bolongo Bay
Lindbergh Bay
Lindqvist
Hull Bay
Vessup Bay
Coki Point
Sapphire
St. John
Frank Bay
Oppenheimer
Great Cruz Bay
Johnson Bay
Cruz 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
Water Bay
Bluebeard’s
Secret Harbor
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches: Stoney Ground, Princess Condo Row and Grapetree Bay on St. Croix; 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.