EPA follow-up testing found lower lead and copper levels in U.S. Virgin Islands water samples

Government House said on December 11, 2023, that follow-up water testing conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in November did not reproduce the extremely high lead and copper levels identified in September samples.

Communications Director Richard Motta said during the weekly briefing that the difference was tied to flaws in how the September samples were collected. He said none of the positive results were directly attributed to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority distribution system.

According to Motta, 3 of 119 samples collected during the EPA's sequential follow-up testing exceeded the EPA compliance threshold of 15 parts per billion. He said two of those samples were linked to internal home plumbing, while the third came from a location where water had remained stagnant for a period of time.

Government House said the findings indicated the potential danger from lead and copper in the water system was less significant than first believed.

Motta also said the Division of Personnel planned to distribute by December 31, 2023, a 14% payment toward remaining retroactive wage compensation balances owed, less taxes and Social Security, to eligible active, separated and retired classified government employees from 1990 through 2001. He said the division was also accepting claims from survivors of eligible employees.

In addition, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue announced a tax amnesty program running through December 31, 2023, waiving penalties but not interest for eligible taxpayers who were current on filing obligations, including their 2022 income tax return.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/lower-lead-and-copper-levels-revealed-in-epa-report/