💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said water vouchers would be distributed in St. Croix from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on Nov. 15, 2023, that it would distribute water vouchers from Nov. 18 through Nov. 20 to St. Croix residents in areas affected by lead and copper in the water supply.
WAPA said eligible residents could receive vouchers redeemable for bottled water at designated businesses for 90 days. The agency said voucher books would have a total value of $100, with each voucher worth $10. The vouchers had to be redeemed in full, with no cash back, refunds or discounts.
The agency said residents were encouraged to pre-register through an online portal and present an approval code and identification at distribution sites. Residents registering in person were required to present identification and a WAPA account number. Tenants without a WAPA bill or lease in their name were required to show photo identification and sign an affidavit confirming eligibility.
WAPA said residents in Virgin Islands Housing Authority communities including Aureo Diaz Heights, Candido Guadalupe and Williams Delight would be notified by their housing managers about how to receive vouchers and would not need to visit distribution stations that weekend. The Department of Human Services was to deliver water to Meals on Wheels participants and people on its waiting list.
The authority said three distribution sites would operate on St. Croix. A drive-through site at the parking area next to Midre Cummings Park in Frederiksted was scheduled for Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 for residents of La Grange, Smithfield, Wheel of Fortune, Two Brothers, White Lady, Hannah's Rest, Campo Rico, Whim and Stoney Ground. An in-person site at the Agricultural Fair grounds in Estate Lower Love was scheduled for Nov. 18, Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 for residents of Grove Place, St. Georges, Adventure Hill, Paradise, Mount Pleasant South, Williams Delight, Profit and Castle Burke, and for residents from other affected neighborhoods on Nov. 20. A drive-through site at John H. Woodson Junior High School was scheduled for Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 for residents of Colquohoun, Mon Bijou, Barren Spot, Diamond West, Strawberry Hill, Sion Farm, St. John and Montpellier East.
WAPA said vouchers could be redeemed on St. Croix at The Market, Plaza East, both Pueblo supermarkets and Blue Mountain Water.
The authority said a do-not-consume advisory remained in effect for drinking and cooking, while the water was still considered safe for bathing, toilet use, cleaning and laundry.