Sept. 2, 2006 – The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announced that the Division of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program, which evaluates weekly water quality at 43 popular swimming beaches throughout the territory, advises the public of the following:
DPNR-DEP performed water quality analysis at the 43 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2006. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Stony Ground
Dorsch
Protestant Cay
Frederiksted (First Target)
Teague Bay
Chenay Bay
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Sprat Hall
Buccaneer
Davis Bay
Cane Bay
Cramer's Park
Columbus Landing
Grapetree Bay
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Gentle Winds
Halfpenny
Rainbow
St. Thomas
Water Bay
Lindquist
Sapphire
Magens Bay
Vessup Bay
Bluebeards
Coki Point
Secret Harbor
Bolongo Bay
Frenchman's Bay
Lindberg Bay
Brewers Bay
Hull Bay
Morningstar
Limetree
St. John
Oppenhiemer
Klain Bay
Hart Bay
Chocolate Hole
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay
However, the following beach does not meet the water quality standards for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Princess (Condo Row)
DPNR Commissioner Dean C. Plaskett advises the public to refrain from using the waters at the beach mentioned above. This includes activities such as fishing and bathing. He also advises parents to please instruct their children to keep away from the above-mentioned area.
There may be an increased health risk to anyone swimming in these areas as a result of an increased concentration of bacteria. All persons should also be aware that storm-water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health; therefore, all persons should avoid areas of storm-water runoff (i.e.: guts, puddles, and drainage basins).
The Virgin Islands Beach Monitoring Program will continue to monitor these beaches on a weekly basis. For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.