Only two beaches are currently unsafe.

http://www.onepaper.com/stjohnvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1104555956

I can't seem to get to this web site. Not sure what the problem is, but I'm certainly
interested in any "murky water" info. I'm sure this would be a concern for all us SJ lovers who are returning soon to enjoy the beautiful water that we can't find elsewhere .
Certainly not on the Texas Gulf Coast where I live.

Hope this is only temporary for tourists and locals alike.

If it has been raining or there is a storm or strong swells, the waters will be murky due to runoff or wave action stirring things up. All in all a temporary thing. However, during the winter months when wave action comes in from the north, the north shore beaches will be a little bit more turbid than those on the calmer south shores.

How will the waters be in December?

What beaches usually are always clear and blue?

In my experience over the last 7 years here, visibility is usually over 100 feet while snorkeling. If we do have a drastic reduction in clarity, due to an unusual amount of rain, it might drop down to 50 feet...still unbelievably beautiful. Hike down the Reef Bay Trail and snorkel out and to your right...always phenomenal there.

Nicole.

We have vacationed on ST. John five times now and I have never encountered murky water. In fact, I read that on the other website as well and was trying to envision STJ murky beaches as I have only known them to be clear and baby blue. No worries-

Two separate things are being talked about here. One is visibility. The other thing, the one that the link refers to, is the high bacterial concentration that led to Hart Bay and Chocolate Hole being deemed unsafe.

I'm just concerned with the murky waters - there are 37 other beaches I could go to if two are closed due to bacteria - no big deal.

I just want to know so that I can plan accordingly when I get there not to go and go to another beach where the waters are clearer

Does anyone know what is causing the bacteria? Can it become more widespread?
I vacationed in Cancun last April and all the beaches on "hotel row" had red flags up and warnings posted about the bacteria in the water. Not trying to be an alarmist, but I just want to know if anyone knows what is going on.

Bacteria in the water comes from the land and washs down after the rain,lots of rain creates runoff that sometimes involves inland septic systems as well as bacteria from small ponds and other places water tends to stand. This is common in most tropical settings. The ocean then curculates it and cleanses itself. Nothing a few days doesnt usually take care of. Enjoy

Two Beaches Found Unsafe for Recreation
by Source staff
Nov. 3, 2004 – Hart Bay and Chocolate Hole beaches on St. John do not meet water quality standards for swimming or fishing.
According to a press release Wednesday from Dean C. Plaskett, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Division of Environmental Protection's Beach Water Quality Monitoring Program evaluated the water quality at popular swimming beaches throughout the territory on Nov. 1.
DPNR is advising the public to refrain from using the waters at the St. John beach. This includes activities such as fishing and bathing. DPNR is also advising parents to instruct their children to keep away from the above-mentioned area.
There may be an increased health risk to anyone swimming in these areas as a result of an increased concentration of bacteria.
DPNR will continue to monitor the impacted areas and waters. For additional information regarding water quality call Environmental Protection at 774-3320 on St. Thomas.

Nick is right... two different things being discussed.

Nicole, don't sweat it, you are on vacation.... planning only puts more pressure on you. Slow down to island time, have a rum coke or bushwhacker and chill. For December, there will be slightly more waves on the north facing beaches. The water on the south side will be calmer and clearer. Have fun and relax.