Bryan lifts no-drink advisory for St. Croix public water system

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced on Jan. 22, 2024, that he had lifted the no-drink advisory for St. Croix’s public water system after additional water sampling found no system-wide lead or copper contamination.

Government House said the advisory had been issued after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency detected elevated lead and copper levels in the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority distribution system in October 2023.

According to the administration, subsequent EPA sequential testing found significantly lower levels and concluded there was no system-wide contamination, with fewer than a handful of elevated readings tied to localized plumbing fixtures in individual homes.

Government House said follow-up sampling by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and WAPA supported the EPA findings and WAPA’s regular compliance testing.

Bryan also said residents in some St. Croix areas were still experiencing discolored water and cited ongoing infrastructure work, including the completed Clifton Hill waterline rehabilitation and projects in Estate Campo Rico and Hannah’s Rest, to replace older metal pipes with PVC.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-lifts-no-drink-advisory-for-st-croix-public-water-system/