Out of the 29 beaches the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (D.P.N.R.) tested this week, four in St. Thomas proved unsafe for swimming and fishing, as they exceeded the enterococci bacteria threshold established as safe. These beaches include Hull Bay, Water Bay, Vessup Bay and Secret Harbor (seen above).
All other tested waters were cleared as safe (Bolongo Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Grapetree Bay, and Stoney Ground could not be sampled this week, therefore the water quality is unknown, D.P.N.R. said).
Find the safe beaches below:
St. Thomas: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Lindbergh Bay, Bluebeards, Brewer’s Bay, Coki Point and Sapphire.
St. Croix: Cramer’s Park, Pelican Cove (Comorant), Rainbow, Chenay Bay, Cane Bay, Frederiksted Public Beach, Dorsch, Halfpenny, Princess – Condo Row, Buccaneer, New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta), Protestant Cay and Shoy’s.
St. John: Cruz Bay, Oppenheimer, Great Cruz Bay, Johnson Bay and Frank Bay.
D.P.N.R. said 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.
The agency says it will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. D.P.N.R. also recommends that beachgoers use their 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 on St. Croix.
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