patrice.johnson@go.vi.gov
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) has lifted the
Boil Water Advisory issued August 28 following the detection of E. coli at Sample Point 327 in Frederiksted.
Daily follow-up testing since the advisory was issued has met the applicable drinking-water requirements
established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning
and Natural Resources (DPNR). Regular water-quality testing and monitoring will continue across the territory
to maintain compliance.
The decision follows a series of samples collected after the initial advisory and confirms that the bacteriological
concern that prompted the advisory has been resolved.
“We know the advisory disrupted our customers’ daily routines, and we appreciate their patience while testing
and monitoring were completed,” said WAPA Interim COO of Water Don Gregoire. “The follow-up results
support returning to normal use of the public water system.”
Customers May Resume Normal Use
Customers may resume normal use of the public water supply, including drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing
teeth and washing dishes. As a precaution, customers returning to the potable water system are encouraged to run
their cold-water taps for several minutes before using water for drinking or cooking and clean faucet
aerators/screens. Ice makers and water dispensers that were not used during the advisory should also be flushed
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Customers who believe they were estimated for water they did not receive should contact WAPA Customer
Service at customer.service@viwapa.vi or at 340-773-2250 option 5, for an account review.
The original advisory was issued following E. coli detections at Sample Point 327 on August 24 and August 26.
WAPA subsequently increased sampling and monitoring and coordinated with DPNR.
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