FREDERIKSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) said 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 27 designated beaches throughout the territory during the week of April 12, – April 16, 2021.
The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
Please note: Samples were not collected at the following beaches:
- Princess (Condo Row), Protestant Cay, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Buccaneer, Shoy’s, Chenay Bay, Cramer’s Park, Grapetree Bay and Halfpenny Beach on St. Croix
- Morningstar Beach on St. Thomas
- Johnson Bay on St. John.
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 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 in St. Croix or 774-3320 in St. Thomas.