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 24 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of January 11-15, 2016. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Dorsch
Frederiksted Public Beach
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Rainbow
Cane Bay
Gentle Winds
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
Magens 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. John
Oppenheimer
Johnson Bay
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay
*Please note: Princess (Condo Row) A – Mill Harbor, Ha’ penny, Princess (Condo Row) B – Breezez, Grapetree Bay, Shoy’s, Chenay Bay, Protestant Cay, Buccaneer, Cramer Park and New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta) of St. Croix could not be sampled due to dangerous high wave activity.
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/or oil and grease, all of which are harmful to the waters of the territory.
DPNR will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. DPNR 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.
