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:
DPNR performed water quality analysis at 31 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of April 29 – May 3, 2019. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Croix
Shoy’s
New Fort (Fort Louise Augusta)
Dorsch
Frederiksted Public Beach
Stony Ground
Spratt Hall
Pelican Cove (Cormorant)
Rainbow
Columbus Landing
Buccaneer
Protestant Cay
Chenay Bay
Cramer’s Park
Ha’ penny
Cane Bay
St. Thomas
Magens Bay
Brewers Bay
Sapphire
Lindqvist
Secret Harbor
Coki Point
Lindbergh Bay
Vessup Bay
Bolongo Bay
Bluebeard’s
Water Bay
St. John
Great Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay
Oppenheimer
Frank Bay
The following beach does not meet water quality standards because it exceeds the established enterococci bacteria threshold; therefore it is not considered to be safe for swimming or fishing:
St. Thomas
Hull Bay
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
Princess (Condo Row) ad Grapetree Bay on St. Croix
Johnson Bay on St. John
Frenchman’s Bay on St. Thomas
Therefore, the water quality of these beaches is unknown.
All persons should also be aware that storm water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and, therefore, all persons should avoid areas of storm water runoff (i.e. guts, puddles and drainage basins) or if any area appears discolored or has foul odors. DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters.
For additional information regarding water quality, call the Division of Environmental Protection at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas.
