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 September 19 – 23, 2022. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
St. Thomas
Lindbergh Bay
Vessup Bay
Secret Harbor
Brewers Bay
Hull Bay
Frenchman’s Bay
Water Bay
Coki Point
Magens Bay
Bluebeard’s Beach
Sapphire Beach
Bolongo Bay
St. John
Cruz Bay
Great Cruz Bay
Frank Bay
Oppenheimer Beach
Johnson Bay
Water Island
Honeymoon Beach
Please note: Samples were not collected on St. Croix; therefore, the water quality at these beaches is unknown.
All persons should be aware that storm water runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and, therefore, should avoid areas of stormwater 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.