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 37 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of July 10-14, 2017. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Cramer Park
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Rainbow
Chenay Bay
Cane Bay
Stoney Ground
Frederiksted Public Beach
Dorsch
Princess Condo Row
Shoy’s
Halfpenny
Spratt Hall
Protestant Cay
Grapetree Bay
Columbus Landing
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Buccaneer
St. Thomas
Bolongo Bay
Lindquist
Magen’s Bay
Vessup Bay
Water Bay
Bluebeards
Sapphire
Lindbergh Bay
Hull Bay
Morningstar
Limetree
Brewer’s Bay
St. John
Cruz Bay
Oppenhiemer
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
Coki Point
Secret Harbor
Frenchman’s Bay
St. John
Frank Bay
Johnson Bay
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 & 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 you use your 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 in St. Croix.