U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “Authority”) has successfully completed extended water sampling in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) in downtown Christiansted, an additional step in ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the Authority’s potable water supply.  Today, sampling extended in the town of Frederiksted, where additional water sampling will be conducted followed by Clifton Hill on Thursday.  Strawberry Hill, the first neighborhood to receive new waterline installations after testing positive for high levels of lead and copper, was resampled today to confirm if lead levels are undetectable and/or have returned to below action level. 

To further engage with residents and address community concerns, WAPA will be attending the Lew Muckle PTA meeting scheduled for this evening and will provide an overview of the steps WAPA is taking to combat lead components and ensure safe and clean drinking water.  The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with its partners and the Joint Information Center (JIC) to provide immediate relief to St. Croix residents. 

There are two Department of Health hotlines available for residents to call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with health concerns related to lead in potable water. Individuals may call 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources also operates a hotline number related to concerns on sampling, 340-514-3666, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Department of Health also advises the community that testing for lead exposure is available at the Clinical Laboratory Inc. at Sunny Isle Medical Center on St. Croix and the St. Thomas East End Medical Center at Tutu Park Mall on St. Thomas.

For more information please visit, www.viwapa.vi/stxwater.

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