Office of the Commissioner 
 
 
CONTACT: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator 
jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov 
 
Friday, July 5, 2024 
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
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 July 1 – July 5, 2024. However, the Territory experienced significant rain 
in the days following sample collection.  Please be advised that there may be an elevated 
health risk to anyone swimming in storm water-impacted areas because of increased 
concentrations of bacteria or other contaminants.  
 
The following beaches meet water quality standards and are considered safe for swimming 
and fishing: 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
St. Thomas 
 
Lindbergh Bay 
Secret Harbor 
Bluebeard’s Beach 
Frenchman’s Bay 
Hull Bay 
Lindqvist Beach 
Vessup Bay 
Bolongo Bay 
Brewers Bay 
Magens Bay 
Coki Point 
Sapphire Beach 
St. John 
 
 
Great Cruz Bay  
Johnson Bay 
Cruz Bay 
Oppenheimer Beach 
Frank Bay 
 
GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES 
--------0-------- 
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES 
            4611 Tutu Park Mall  
 
              45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted 
            Suite 300  
 
                                       St. Croix, VI 00840 
            St. Thomas, VI  00802                                                       (340) 773-1082 
            (340) 774-3320   
 
                                                    dpnr.vi.gov 
 
 
 
 
Samples were not collected on the following beach due to excessive sargassum:  
 
• Water Bay on St. Thomas 
 
PLEASE NOTE: Samples were not collected on St. Croix or Water Island. 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.