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 28 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of June 18-22, 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
- Halfpenny
- Stoney Ground
- Dorsch
- Frederiksted Public Beach
- Cane Bay
- Rainbow
- Protestant Cay
St. Thomas
- Lindquist
- Magen’s Bay
- Secret Harbor
- Lindbergh Bay
- Brewer’s Bay
- Hull Bay
- Water Bay
- Sapphire
St. John
- Great Cruz Bay
- Frank Bay
- Cruz Bay
- Oppenheimer
- Johnson Bay
NOT CONSIDERED TO BE SAFE FOR SWIMMING OR FISHING
The following beach 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
- Vessup Bay
- Bluebeards
WATER QUALITY UNKNOWN
Please Note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
- Pelican Cove (Comorant), Princess Condo Row and Grapetree Bay on St. Croix
- Bolongo Bay and Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas
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.