Ministry of VROMI alerts public to Great Salt Pond Pumping Operation. Advises against bathing/swimming in Great Bay

GREAT BAY -- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI), hereby alerts the public that the Department of Infrastructure Management, will commence with the lowering of the water in the Great Salt Pond by pumping it into Great Bay starting on Monday, October 5 until Sunday, October 11.  The pumping operation will take place between 6:00 pm until 12:00 am midnight. Due to the increase in rainfall over the past weeks, and taking into consideration that we are still in the hurricane season, water levels in the Salt Pond has to be kept at a certain level in the event that a weather system generates a lot of rain.  The pond will then be able to retain this water avoiding any localized flooding. The department strongly advises against any swimming in Great Bay during this period of time. This advisory is a precautionary measure to prevent swimmers from coming into contact with any contaminated water that could pose a health risk if ingested or by skin contact, thereby making the person vulnerable to recreational water illnesses. Source: sintmaartengov.org