US VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or the “Authority”) will host a virtual community town hall meeting on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Participants will receive updates about WAPA’s clean water action initiatives addressing recent lead and copper findings and discolored water in certain areas on St. Croix.
Sequential sampling in November by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested at substantially lower levels than originally reported in September. The Authority’s water department and mainland water experts have been working diligently to improve the quality of water over the last few months.
Beginning this month, eligible customers who utilized WAPA’s water during April to September 2023, will see a total $75 bill credit to be used over a 90-day period. In addition, with funding from the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ (DPNR) Drinking Water Fund, pitcher and faucet filters will be distributed January 18-20, 2024.
During the community town hall, attendees will learn more about the filter distribution, WAPA bill credits, recent testing by WAPA and the Department of Health (DOH), EPA recommendations being implemented, progress in installing all lead-free components in designated areas on St. Croix, the free lead and copper testing program for WAPA customers interested in having their kitchen tap water evaluated, plans to address discolored water found in St. Croix areas, and other proactive measures underway.
WAPA is also reminding eligible water customers in the St. Croix areas identified by the initial lead and copper testing, who did not receive the $100 worth of water vouchers in November, to collect them at the Sunny Isle business office before they expire on February 19. The impacted areas are listed at Emergency Service Portal (servicenowservices.com). Frederiksted town residents are also eligible to receive the pitcher and faucet water filters.
According to WAPA’s CEO and Executive Director Andrew Smith, WAPA continues to express appreciation for the commitment of many local and federal government agency partners including representatives of DOH, DPNR, and EPA who will participate in the upcoming town hall and be available to answer questions. “This collaboration underscores their shared dedication to addressing our water quality concerns,” said Smith.
To register for the community town hall and to submit questions in advance visit http://tinyurl.com/WAPA-STX-Town-Hall or https://fb.me/e/1E5ZEudZ2.