Oct. 20, 2006 — As a result of recent heavy rainfall throughout the territory, the Division of Environmental Protection advises the public to refrain from swimming, fishing and bathing in coastal waters that have been impacted by storm-water runoff.
DPNR further advises parents to keep children away from storm-water-impacted beaches, as well as areas with manholes and storm-water flooding.
There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in storm-water-impacted areas as a result of increased concentrations of bacteria. All persons should also be aware that storm-water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and therefore all persons should avoid areas of storm-water runoff (i.e. guts, puddles, and drainage basins).
DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted areas and update the public.
For additional information regarding water quality call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 in St. Croix or 774-3320 in St. Thomas.
