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 18 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of March 13 – March 17, 2023. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
St. Thomas
Lindbergh Bay
Frenchman’s Bay
Vessup Bay
Brewers Bay
Hull Bay
Water Bay
Bolongo Bay
Lindqvist Beach
Secret Harbor
Bluebeard’s Beach
Sapphire Beach
Coki Point
St. John
Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay
Oppenheimer Beach
Johnson Bay
Water Island
Honeymoon Beach
The following beach does not meet water quality standards because it exceeds the established enterococci bacteria threshold and, therefore, is not considered safe for swimming or fishing:
- Frank Bay on St. John
Please note: Due to high surf conditions, samples were not collected on St. Croix as well as on the following beach:
Magens Bay on St. Thomas
Therefore, the water quality at these beaches is unknown.
All persons should be aware that stormwater runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health; therefore, they should avoid areas of storm water runoff (i.e., guts, puddles and drainage basins) or any area that appears discolored or has foul odors. DPNR will continue to monitor 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.