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 24 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of September 17-21, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
- Buccaneer
- Cane Bay
- Chenay Bay
- Cramer’s Park
- Dorsch
- Frederiksted Public Beach
- Halfpenny
- New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
- Pelican Cove (Cormorant)
- Protestant Cay
- Rainbow
- Shoy’s
St. Thomas
- Brewer’s Bay
- Hull Bay
- Lindbergh Bay
- Lindquist
- Magen’s Bay
- Secret Harbor
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
- Bluebeards
- Bolongo Bay
- Coki Point
- Sapphire
- Vessup Bay
- Water Bay
WATER QUALITY UNKNOWN
Please Note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
- All Beaches on St. John
- 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.
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