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 32 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of August 22 – August 26, 2022. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming and fishing:
| St. Thomas | |||
| Lindbergh Bay | Vessup Bay | Frenchman’s Bay | |
| Brewers Bay | Lindqvist Beach | Sapphire Beach | |
| Hull Bay | Bluebeard’s Beach | ||
| Magens Bay | Bolongo Bay | ||
| Coki Point | Secret Harbor | ||
| St. Croix | ||
| Stony Ground | Pelican Cove | Shoy’s |
| Dorsch Beach | Columbus Landing | Chenay Bay |
| Frederiksted Public Beach | Protestant Cay | Sprat Hall |
| Rainbow (Prosperity) | New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta) | |
| Cane Bay | Buccaneer Beach | |
| St. John |
| Cruz Bay |
| Oppenheimer |
| Johnson Bay |
| Great Cruz Bay |
| Frank Bay |
| Water Island |
| Honeymoon Beach |
Please note: Samples were not collected on the following beaches due to excessive sargassum seaweed:
- Water Bay on St. Thomas
- Princess (Condo Row) on St. Croix
- Cramer’s Park on St. Croix
- Grapetree Bay 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 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.
