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 30 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of August 6-10, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:

Spratt Bay (St. Croix)

St. Croix

• Buccaneer
• Cane Bay
• Chenay Bay
• Cramer Park
• Dorsch
• Frederiksted Public Beach
• Halfpenny
• New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
• Pelican Cove (Comorant)
• Protestant Cay
• Rainbow
• Shoy’s
• Spratt Hall

St. Thomas

• Bluebeards
• Bolongo Bay
• Brewer’s Bay
• Coki Point
• Hull Bay
• Magen’s Bay
• Sapphire
• Secret Harbor
• Vessup Bay

St. John

• Frank Bay
• Great Cruz Bay
• Johnson Bay
• Oppenheimer

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

• Lindquist
• Lindbergh Bay
• Water Bay

St. John

• Cruz Bay

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

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.