COASTAL WATCH: DPNR Issues Water Quality Warning for Coki Point; St. Croix Status ‘Unknown’

By JOHN McCARTHY / St. Croix Sun Staff Writer

ST. THOMAS — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has released its weekly beach water quality report, flagging one popular St. Thomas destination as unsafe for swimmers while leaving the status of several other islands in the dark.

Coki Point Flagged for Bacteria

According to the latest analysis conducted between May 4 and May 8, Coki Point on St. Thomas failed to meet territorial water quality standards. Environmental officials found that the area exceeded the established threshold for Enterococci bacteria, and it is currently considered unsafe for both swimming and fishing.

The ‘Unknown’ Factor on St. Croix and St. John

In a move that may frustrate local beachgoers and tourists alike, DPNR reported that samples were not collected at any beaches on St. Croix or St. John this week. Additionally, water quality remains "unknown" for Water Bay on St. Thomas and Honeymoon Beach on Water Island.

Without active testing data, officials cannot verify if these waters meet safety standards.

Safe Havens in St. Thomas

For those staying on St. Thomas, 11 beaches did pass the rigorous weekly monitoring for bacteria and water clarity (turbidity):

• Magens Bay

• Sapphire Beach

• Lindbergh Bay

• Secret Harbor

• Brewers Bay

• Bluebeards & Bolongo Bay

Health Risks: Sargassum and Stormwater

DPNR issued a standing warning for all residents to avoid areas with heavy sargassum accumulation or visible stormwater runoff. These conditions can harbor high concentrations of bacteria that pose elevated health risks to swimmers.

As the territory continues to navigate its environmental monitoring challenges, the DPNR urges the public to use caution and avoid any water that appears discolored or has a foul odor.