DPNR performed water quality analysis at 38 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of Jan. 4-8, 2016. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Stoney Ground
Protestant Cay
Buccaneer
Cramer Park
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Dorsch
Frederiksted Public Beach
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Shoy’s
Rainbow
Cane Bay
Chenay Bay
Gentle Winds
Princess (Condo Row) A – Mill Harbour
Ha’ penny
Princess (Condo Row) B — Breezez
Grapetree Bay
St. Thomas
Lindqvist
Coki Point
Vessup Bay
Brewers Bay
Bluebeard’s
Secret Harbor
Bolongo Bay
Sapphire
Water Bay
Frenchman’s Bay
Hull Bay
Lindbergh Bay
St. John
Oppenheimer
Johnson Bay
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Great 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
Magens Bay
Morningstar
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, 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.
