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 18 designated beaches throughout the territory, during the week of May 20 – May 24, collecting samples on May 20 – May 21.
However, the territory has experienced significant rainfall in the days following sample collection. Therefore, 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.
Areas of stormwater runoff (i.e., guts, puddles and drainage basins) or any area that appears discolored or has foul odors should be avoided. DPNR will continue to monitor impacted areas and waters.
Based on the analytical results, the following beaches met the water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
St. Thomas
Brewers Bay
Coki Point
Bluebeard’s Beach
Frenchman’s Bay
Hull Bay
Lindqvist Beach
Vessup Bay
Bolongo Bay Secret Harbor
Magens Bay
Sapphire Beach
Lindbergh Bay
St. John
Cruz Bay
Frank Bay
Oppenheimer Beach
Johnson Bay
Great Cruz Bay
Note: Samples were not collected on St. Croix and due to the presence of excessive sargassum, samples were not collected at the following beach:
- Water Bay on St. Thomas.
Therefore, the water quality at these beaches is unknown.
For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.
