Beach water quality

I don't know the answer, but I'll bet DPNR does: http://www.dpnr.gov.vi/

DPNR regularly conducts water quality testing at island beaches and from time to time the water quality necessitates such warnings. Much of it has to with the weather, tidal flows, etc. and usually within a couple of days the waters are re-tested and come up "clean".

DPNR usually try to post on their website the Beach Advisories every Friday, between the hours of 12pm and 3pm, but you know island time.
(They test every Monday, I think-someone can correct me is I am wrong)

I really want to go to Cheney because the turtles and rays are all over the place, but I keep hearing how nasty the water is. I saw a report on fb one day about not swimming at Kramers.

That sucks.

I really want to go to Cheney because the turtles and rays are all over the place, but I keep hearing how nasty the water is. I saw a report on fb one day about not swimming at Kramers.

That sucks.

As mentioned earlier, the water is quickly re-tested when the lab check identifies undesirable readings and the retest within a couple of days invariably shows all is clear. Any results below certain levels are required by Federal (EPA) law to be publicized whether the water comes from a designated potable water supply or the swimming beaches. Honestly, I don't think anyone really pays much attention but the warnings have to be posted. Enjoy your beach day!

PS: Here's the latest advisory and you can monitor the reports through this DPNR website:

http://www.dpnr.gov.vi/public-notice-detail/beach-advisory-6-08-2012-88

You can also call: this info is posted on the botton of the page Old Tart supplied.

DPNR 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.

PS: Here's the latest advisory and you can monitor the reports through this DPNR website:

http://www.dpnr.gov.vi/public-notice-detail/beach-advisory-6-08-2012-88

Thank you again, OT...great link! (tu)
Swan

Is there an effort to resolve the cause of contamination on STX? With so much concern over reefs, I would think correcting the source would be paramount? Cramer beach is a long way from other beach's that are polluted, how is that beach affected?

When I ride around this island, it is depressing to see how residents mistreat it. One of the most valuable resources(beach's) and tourist have to stomach polluted beach's in their minds......the affect is lasting to them. Imagine paying the high price to travel here, couple hundred a night and then read in the press the beach's are not safe! This island has little hope competing with others......it has a long way to go in reinventing itself!

I loved the article in the paper listing the 7 beaches that are polluted.

Right under that article, free snorkel lessons at Cramer (one of the listed dirty beaches)

Right under that, Please donate your organs.

hahaha, only here.

There seems to be some confusion about all this. First, I can't even exactly remember when last a beach was actually closed because of contamination. I believe one beach was briefly closed on STX quite a long time ago when a sewage pipe ruptured (?) and a few years ago Magens on St Thomas was closed for swimming for a couple of days after a storm caused huge run-offs but in general the water testing doesn't disclose any contamination to pose sufficient danger demanding closure.

A temporary contamination can be caused by many factors from run-off after a storm to a change in tidal patterns and water flow and, again, the Federal standards are very rigid and these warnings are mandated for even the slightest divergence from accepted levels.

On STT, I recall secret harbour being closed a few years back. Don't know why. I like that beach so it was very disappointing. We didn't go for few months afterwards. The beach in front the Ritz condos (black beards) gets alot of run-off form the ritz's laundry (or whatever the big plant is) It probably should be closed more often. I've actually seen suds. But this occurred even before the condo's were built--could be a natural phenomen or from the hotel (ritz/grand palatzo). I suppose all that development at the end of bay, all the hard surface run-off, contrived landscaping doesn't help. Development on the sand might be nice for tourrist but it kills the enviroment. That's one nice thing about a slow economy--the beaches are safe for while.

Run off is a big problem. Any fertilizer or animal waste that washes into the water affects the water quality. After large storms or hurricanes is is not unusual to see lower water quality.

I loved the article in the paper listing the 7 beaches that are polluted.

Right under that article, free snorkel lessons at Cramer (one of the listed dirty beaches)

Right under that, Please donate your organs.

hahaha, only here.

LOL
I noticed the same and had to laugh.

On STT, I recall secret harbour being closed a few years back. Don't know why. I like that beach so it was very disappointing. We didn't go for few months afterwards. The beach in front the Ritz condos (black beards) gets alot of run-off form the ritz's laundry (or whatever the big plant is) It probably should be closed more often. I've actually seen suds. But this occurred even before the condo's were built--could be a natural phenomen or from the hotel (ritz/grand palatzo). I suppose all that development at the end of bay, all the hard surface run-off, contrived landscaping doesn't help. Development on the sand might be nice for tourrist but it kills the enviroment. That's one nice thing about a slow economy--the beaches are safe for while.

If you don't know why the SH beach was closed and didn't go to Secret Harbour "for several months afterwards" then you obviously didn't do a follow-up on the situation. I don't recall that the beach at SH was ever closed and can't find confirmation on that but, as said before, a beach being closed is quite a rarity and for all the reasons already addressed on this thread.

As far as the "suds" are concerned, I've seen those sort of "suds" at many beaches over many years and mostly at remote beaches not generally accessible.

I think the beach by the Ritz condos that you are referring to was previously the site of Bluebeards Beach Resort in the 1960's - not {black beards} - there were still some building shells and foundation slabs there in the 1970's.

I think the beach by the Ritz condos that you are referring to was previously the site of Bluebeards Beach Resort in the 1960's - not {black beards} - there were still some building shells and foundation slabs there in the 1970's.

And, "For The Birds", right? Many lovely memories of that great establishment!

"For the Birds" was on Scott Beach, Old Tart! 😉

"For the Birds" was on Scott Beach, Old Tart! 😉

Well it has been years - and years and years and years ... 😀

Amen.

Yeah I really miss For The Birds - especially Sunday night when ladies drank well drinks for free.3

I think the beach by the Ritz condos that you are referring to was previously the site of Bluebeards Beach Resort in the 1960's - not {black beards} - there were still some building shells and foundation slabs there in the 1970's.

yep got my beards mixed-up The "sudsy beach" I refferenced is currently infront of the Ritz Carlton time share units. The foundation slabs were in place untill the late 1990's/early 2000's when the Ritz began delvelopment--along the access road for Cabrita Point. That beach and one in front of the RitZ always had allot sea grass, but since the Condo's (Time share's) the water is much more murky. I wonder if that beach is even tested? Or if the they just test the main ritz beach?

http://www.vinow.com/community/component/content/article/25/45-bluebeards-beach.html

Today's BlueBeards Beach Resort is on LimeTree Beach in Frenchman's Bay. But I think that resort had a different name back then...not sure.

I do miss 4DBirds and the old 3rdWorld--good times back in the day.

On STT, I recall secret harbour being closed a few years back. Don't know why. I like that beach so it was very disappointing. We didn't go for few months afterwards. The beach in front the Ritz condos (black beards) gets alot of run-off form the ritz's laundry (or whatever the big plant is) It probably should be closed more often. I've actually seen suds. But this occurred even before the condo's were built--could be a natural phenomen or from the hotel (ritz/grand palatzo). I suppose all that development at the end of bay, all the hard surface run-off, contrived landscaping doesn't help. Development on the sand might be nice for tourrist but it kills the enviroment. That's one nice thing about a slow economy--the beaches are safe for while.

If you don't know why the SH beach was closed and didn't go to Secret Harbour "for several months afterwards" then you obviously didn't do a follow-up on the situation. I don't recall that the beach at SH was ever closed and can't find confirmation on that but, as said before, a beach being closed is quite a rarity and for all the reasons already addressed on this thread.

As far as the "suds" are concerned, I've seen those sort of "suds" at many beaches over many years and mostly at remote beaches not generally accessible.

You are correct I never did a follow-up. We justt jumped back into the car and drove somewhere else. But, I clearly remember a summer (july/august) sunday in 2008 arriving at "closed" SH beach. I like Secret harbour my kids loved jumping off the raft. It was awhile before we went back....alot happend that summer...

Today's BlueBeards Beach Resort is on LimeTree Beach in Frenchman's Bay. But I think that resort had a different name back then...not sure.

It used to be called Limetree.

Today's BlueBeards Beach Resort is on LimeTree Beach in Frenchman's Bay. But I think that resort had a different name back then...not sure.

It used to be called Limetree.

thanks. now, if you can find my car keys.....