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), informs the general public that the Department of Infrastructure Management, will open up the pumps leading water into the Rolandus Kanaal in efforts of lowering of the water in the Great Salt Pond due to excess rain experienced recently and expected to proceed over the weekend. The operation will commence today Saturday, October 17th. The water level of the Great Salt Pond is required to stay below a certain level to alleviate flooding during heavy rainfall, particularly in the hurricane season. Due to pumped water flowing to the Great Bay area, the department strongly advises against any swimming in Great Bay over the weekend. 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. Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. PHOTO: Pumping operations. Source: sintmaartengov.org