Beach Pollution
Print
Email
Save to Favorites
Trip Ideas
View This Map
--- Click to Enlarge ---
Explore Further
Pollution caused by the discharge of untreated sewage from aging sewerage systems on St. Thomas and St. Croix causes beach closures on those islands from time to time. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources is responsible for testing the water quality of beaches, and for alerting the public if pollution reaches dangerous levels. Beach closures are announced in the local newspapers, and you will be alerted by notices posted around the beach. You can also contact the DPNR at 340/773-1082 on St. Croix or 340/774-3320 on St. Thomas. Results of the weekly water quality testing are also posted on the DPNR website, www.dpnr.gov.vi.
In the British Virgin Islands, the authorities are not as fastidious about testing water quality, so use common sense. Popular anchorages, such as Road Harbour, Cane Garden Bay, and Trellis Bay, are probably not the cleanest places to swim.
© Susanna Henighan Potter from Moon Virgin Islands, 4th edition
Buy Moon Travel Guides
Search
Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.