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 29 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of June 11-15, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Cramer Park
Shoy’s
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Buccaneer
Chenay Bay
Grapetree Bay
Princess Condo Row
Ha’ penny
Stoney Ground
Dorsch
Frederiksted Public Beach
Cane Bay
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
St. Thomas
Lindqvist
Magens Bay
Vessup Bay
Bluebeard’s
Secret Harbor
Lindbergh Bay
Bolongo Bay
Brewers Bay
St. John
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
Oppenheimer
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
Hull Bay
Coki Point
Water Bay
Sapphire
St. John
Great Cruz Bay
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
St. Croix: Rainbow and Protestant Cay
St. Thomas: Frenchman’s Bay
St. John: Johnson Bay
Therefore, the water quality of these beaches is unknown.
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 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.