Office of the Commissioner CONTACT: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov Friday, July 19, 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 26 designated beaches throughout the Territory during the week of July 15 – July 19, 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. Croix Dorsch Beach Halfpenny Beach Frederiksted Public Beach Princess (Condo Row) Chenay Bay Stony Ground Shoy’s Cramer’s Park 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 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 PLEASE NOTE: Samples were not collected on the following beaches: • Water Bay on St. Thomas • Protestant Cay on St. Croix • Sprat Hall on St. Croix • Rainbow Beach on St. Croix • Cane Bay on St. Croix • Gentle Winds on St. Croix • Pelican Cove (Comorant) on St. Croix • Buccaneer Beach on St. Croix • Columbus Landing on St. Croix • New Fort (Ft. Louise Augusta) on St. Croix • Grapetree Bay on St. Croix. 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. St. John Cruz Bay Oppenheimer Beach Johnson Bay Frank Bay Great Cruz Bay Water Island Honeymoon Beach