BEACH WATCH: Is the Water Clear for Your Weekend Dip?
By JOHN McCARTHY / St. Croix Sun Investigative Reporter
ST. CROIX — Before you pack the cooler or head out for a South Shore "crabbing" expedition, the St. Croix Sun is checking the receipts on local water quality.
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has released its latest beach advisory, and while the marketing dispatches from Miami are "all positive," the reality on the ground depends entirely on which shore you choose.
The St. Croix Status Report
Recent weekend rains and gut runoff can turn a pristine bay into a bacteria risk in hours. DPNR’s latest testing monitors for Enterococci bacteria, which serves as a red flag for swimmers.
Green Light Beaches: Most of our popular sandy stretches have met the water quality standards for safe swimming.
The Caution List: Swimmers are advised to exercise caution near storm guts and areas with visible runoff, as these "almost" perfect waters can harbor health risks.
A "Crabbing" Note: While the blue crabs might enjoy the murky runoff on the South Shore, human swimmers should stick to the designated safe zones identified in this week's report.
Why We Report This
In an "Almost Economy" where growth percentages are touted at 400%, we believe in reporting the 100% truth about our environment. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, knowing which beaches are "Safe vs. Sordid" is the ultimate "Visitor Experience".
[VIEW THE FULL LIST OF SAFE BEACHES HERE] https://vifreepress.com/2026/04/which-beaches-are-safe-this-weekend/
