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 30 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of Aug. 30 – Sept. 3, 2021. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
St. Croix
Stony Ground
Gentle Winds
Grapetree Bay
Dorsch Beach
Cramer’s Park
Shoy’s
Frederiksted Public Beach
Protestant Cay
Ha’ penny Beach
Rainbow Beach
Buccaneer
Chenay Bay
New Fort (Fort Louise Augusta)
Cane Bay
Sprat Hall
St. Thomas
Lindbergh Bay
Sapphire Beach
Lindqvist Beach
Bolongo Bay
Vessup Bay
Secret Harbor
Frenchman’s Bay
Coki Point
Magens Bay
Hull Bay
Brewers Bay
St. John
Great Cruz Bay
Frank 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:
- Cruz Bay on St. John
- Water Bay on St. Thomas.
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
- Pelican Cove, Columbus Landing and Princess (Condo Row) on St. Croix
- Bluebeard,s Beach on St. Thomas
- Honeymoon Beach on Water Island
- Oppenheimer and Johnson Bay on St. Thomas.
Therefore, the water quality at these beaches is unknown.
All persons should be aware that storm water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health; therefore, they should avoid areas of storm water runoff (i.e., guts, puddles and drainage basins) or any area that appears 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.
