The St. Maarten Nature Foundation tests water quality at eight sites on the island. Tests are carried out in order to determine the quality of water for bathing (at swimming beaches) and for general water quality at various bodies of water throughout the island.
water sample result tube
Water quality sample from Kim Sha beach, showing a positive result for Coliform Bacteria

Tests are out in order to determine levels of water pollution and determine levels for nitrate, phosphate, nitrogen, dissolved oxygen and pH levels as well as for levels related to coliform bacteria.

Tests are typically carried out at Cole Bay Lagoon, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Pond, Kim Sha Beach, Great Bay Beach, Belair Pond, Fresh Pond, and the Great Salt Pond. The sites of Great Bay Beach and Kim Sha Beach were particularly chosen to test the swimming quality of the beaches.

If you like what the Nature Foundation does for Sint Maarten and you can’t help out as a volunteer on some of our programs, please consider making a voluntary donation to help us continue what we do.