The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces that the Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program 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 36 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of Jan. 16 – Jan. 20, 2023. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
St. Croix
Dorsch Beach
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Cramer’s Park
Frederiksted Public Beach
New Fort (Fort Louise Augusta)
Grapetree Bay
Cane Bay
Buccaneer
Gentle Winds
Shoy’s
Columbus Landing
Chenay Bay
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
St. John
Cruz Bay
Oppenheimer Beach
Johnson Bay
Water Island
Honeymoon Beach
The following beaches do not meet water quality standards because they exceed the established enterococci bacteria threshold and, therefore, are not considered safe for swimming or fishing:
- Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas
- Stony Ground on St. Croix
- Rainbow Beach on St. Croix
- Sprat Hall on St. Croix
- Princess (Condo Row) on St. Croix
- Great Cruz Bay on St. John
- Frank Bay on St. John.
Please note: Samples were not collected on the following beach:
- Water Bay on St. Thomas.
Please also note: Samples were collected on the following beaches, but there were issues with collection/transport:
- Protestant Cay on St. Croix
- Ha’ penny Beach 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 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.
