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:
SAFE FOR SWIMMING OR FISHING
DPNR performed water quality analysis at 17 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of May 14-18, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Thomas
- Lindquist
- Magen’s Bay
- Vessup Bay
- Bluebeards
- Secret Harbor
- Sapphire
- Lindbergh Bay
- Brewer’s Bay
- Hull Bay
- Bolongo Bay
- Water Bay
St. John
- Oppenheimer
- Great Cruz Bay
- Johnson Bay
- Frank Bay
- Cruz Bay
NOT CONSIDERED TO BE SAFE FOR SWIMMING OR FISHING
The following beach does not meet water quality standards because it exceeds the established Enterococci Bacteria threshold and therefore is not considered to be safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Thomas
ST. CROIX / FRENCHMAN'S BAY
Please Note: The beaches in St. Croix District and Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas could not be sampled this week; therefore, the water quality of these beaches is unknown.
NOTES
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.