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 29 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of July 9-13, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
- Cramer’s Park
- Shoy’s
- New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
- Buccaneer
- Chenay Bay
- Halfpenny
- Dorsch
- Frederiksted Public Beach
- Cane Bay
- Pelican Cove (Comorant)
- Rainbow
- Protestant Cay
- Sprat Hall
St. Thomas
- Lindquist
- Magen’s Bay
- Secret Harbor
- Lindbergh Bay
- Brewer’s Bay
- Hull Bay
- Vessup Bay
- Bluebeards
- Coki Point
- Water Bay
St. John
- Frank Bay
- Cruz Bay
- Oppenheimer
- Sapphire
NOT CONSIDERED TO BE SAFE FOR SWIMMING OR FISHING
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
St. John
WATER QUALITY UNKNOWN
Please Note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
- Columbus Landing, Stoney Ground, Princess Condo Row and Grapetree Bay on St. Croix
- Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas
- Johnson Bay on St. John
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.