No-drinking advisory issued for parts of St. Croix potable water system

Government House said on October 16, 2023, that the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority had issued a no-drinking-or-consumption advisory for parts of St. Croix’s potable water system after testing found elevated levels of copper and lead in certain areas.

WAPA had notified the St. Croix community on October 14, 2023, that potable water sampling found elevated lead and copper levels in 35 of 66 samples collected, according to the statement.

The statement said four locations with elevated levels were Estates Diamond, Castle Burke, Colquhoun and Mon Bijou.

Government House said WAPA and the Virgin Islands government were working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to review and validate the testing protocols. An incident command was established to coordinate the response.

In the meantime, the Virgin Islands Department of Health advised residents not to drink potable water or use it for cooking until the water was confirmed safe, and to use bottled water or another known safe source for drinking and cooking.

The statement said WAPA had begun a more rigorous flushing regimen in the affected areas of the distribution system.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-albert-bryan-jr-announces-no-drinking-advisory-for-potable-water-within-certain-areas-in-st-croix/