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April 16-20, 2018 - BEACH ADVISORY
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 17 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of April 16-20, 2018. The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing:
The following beaches meet water quality standards and are safe for swimming or fishing.
Could not be sampled
Lindquist
Magen’s Bay
Vessup Bay
Secret Harbor
Water Bay
Sapphire
Lindbergh Bay
Brewer’s Bay
Hull Bay
Bolongo Bay
Oppenheimer
Great Cruz Bay
Johnson Bay
Frank Bay
Cruz Bay
The following beaches do not meet water quality standards because they exceed the established Enterococci Bacteria threshold and therefore are not considered to be safe for swimming or fishing.
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Bluebeards
Coki Point
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The following beaches could not be sampled because access to them or the use of their waters pose a risk to health and safety, and therefore the water quality at these beaches is unknown.
Stoney Ground
Cramer’s Park
Pelican Cove (Comorant)
Rainbow
Cane Bay
Dorsch
Protestant Cay
Shoy’s
New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta)
Buccaneer
Frederiksted Public Beach
Chenay Bay
Grapetree Bay
Frenchman's Bay
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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.
DPNR will continue to monitor these popular swimming areas. DPNR also recommends that you use your 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 in St. Croix.
