U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “Authority”) would like to notify the public that ongoing efforts to combat brown water on St. Croix continue. Beginning today, September 28th through Sunday, October 1st, 2023, the Authority in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will be conducting the extended water sampling plan. As part of this plan, sixty-five (65) sample locations have been identified across the island. These sampling locations include the primary and secondary location areas that have been impacted by brown water.

The sampling will occur at accessible meters from 6:00am-3:00pm and does not require assistance or additional access from customers. The Authority is asking the community to be mindful of vehicles parked alongside the road and agents in safety vests who will be collecting samples.

The priority locations in St. Croix that will have extended water sampling are:

• La Grande Princess

The additional sampling results will provide a baseline study of what levels of iron, metals, pH, chlorine, and bacteria are present in the system at distinct locations across St. Croix. The data will further assist the Authority with determining the quality of water in localized areas experiencing brown water and provide recommendations on water use.

The EPA UVI and WAPA labs are expected to have results in 2-3 weeks following the sampling. At that time, the Authority and DPNR will review the results and provide updates to the community.