💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA said sargassum reduced St. Croix desalination efficiency but water production remained above demand
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/news-(docs)/wapa-shares-update-on-sargassum-response.pdf?sfvrsn=281c2e87_2
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on July 24, 2022, that an influx of sargassum had reduced efficiency at the St. Croix desalination facility next to the Richmond Power Plant, though water production continued to exceed demand.
WAPA said the plant, operated by Seven Seas, was affected by blocked intake screens and clogged strainers and filters. The authority said potable water consumption on St. Croix averaged 2.7 million to 2.8 million gallons a day, while Seven Seas had maximum production capacity of 3.7 million gallons a day.
According to WAPA, Seven Seas and the authority responded with more frequent filter changes, continuous cleaning and monitoring of the seawater intake, physical debris removal and installation of deflection booms. WAPA said those steps had increased water production over the previous 48 hours.
The authority said it also increased potable water testing and water treatment measures to maintain compliance with Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standards. WAPA said customers could notice unusual odor or color in the water because of sargassum in the seawater intake.
WAPA said water production in the St. Thomas-St. John district was unaffected as of July 24, 2022.