💧 Water and Power · St. Croix, VI
WAPA said sargassum affected St. Croix desalination operations
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(8.4.2023)--authority-provides-st.-croix-sargassum-and-potable-water-update.pdf?sfvrsn=c88c7ab8_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on August 7, 2023, that an influx of sargassum on St. Croix’s north-central shoreline had affected operations at the desalination facility next to the Richmond Power Plant.
WAPA said the plant, operated by Seven Seas, had taken several steps within the previous 24 hours to limit effects on water quality and production, including more frequent filter changes, additional cleaning of membrane units, increased chlorine injections, and coordination with VITEMA and local and federal partners.
The authority said customers could experience unusual odor and discoloration in potable water as crews worked to meet Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards.
WAPA said that if additional sargassum continued to affect the facility’s ability to capture and produce fresh water, island-wide water interruptions could occur.