ST. CROIX -- The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced this morning that as a result of recent rainfall, residents should stay away from all the territory's waters, as DPNR's Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) anticipates negative environmental impacts caused by stormwater runoff.
Residents should refrain from using the waters throughout the territory until these effects subside, the press release reads. The government agency is also advising parents to instruct their children to keep away from stormwater-impacted beaches as well as areas with manholes and stormwater flooding.
There may be an elevated health risk to anyone swimming in stormwater-impacted areas as a result of increased concentrations of bacteria, the release further states. All persons should also be aware that stormwater runoff may also contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health and therefore all persons should avoid areas of stormwater runoff (i.e. guts, puddles, and drainage basins).
DPNR says it will continue to monitor the 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.
Feature Image: Example of stormwater runoff after heavy rainfall.
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