The Department of Planning and Natural Resources only tested 17 beaches this week, as beaches in the St. Croix district were not examined for water quality, with D.P.N.R. not giving a reason as to why.
All tested waters in St. John and St Thomas were safe for swimming and fishing — except for Frenchman’s Bay in St. Thomas, whose water quality could not be tested (D.P.N.R., again, did not explain the reason for this.)
The safe beaches in St. Thomas are: Lindquist, Magen’s Bay, Vessup Bay, Bluebeards, Secret Harbor, Water Bay, Sapphire, Lindbergh Bay, Coki Point, Brewer’s Bay, Hull Bay and Bolongo Bay.
In St. John, the safe waters are: Oppenheimer, Great Cruz Bay, Johnson Bay, Frank Bay and Cruz 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.
Tags: beach advisory
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