WAPA said sargassum conditions eased at St. Croix desalination facility

Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(8.11.23)--sargassum-conditions-improve-in-stx-wapa-continues-efforts-to-mitigate-impact.pdf?sfvrsn=7076aaf3_3

Archive page: https://www.viwapa.vi/news-information/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/08/11/sargassum-conditions-improve-in-st.-croix-wapa-continues-efforts-to-mitigate-impact

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on August 11, 2023, that sargassum conditions had slightly improved at the St. Croix desalination facility next to the Richmond Power Plant.

WAPA said St. Croix began experiencing an influx of sargassum along the north-central shoreline during the previous week, affecting the Seven Seas-operated reverse-osmosis plant that produces potable water from seawater.

The authority said mitigation work over the weekend and during the week had reduced the frequency of filter changes, regular membrane cleanings and chlorine injections. Crews also continued flushing pipes in heavily affected neighborhoods to reduce water discoloration.

WAPA said drinking water continued to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards despite unusual odor and discoloration. The authority also said there was no threat to water production or storage levels on St. Croix.

WAPA said long-term mitigation measures had been approved for FEMA funding and that the project was being scoped to determine the cost of the first phase.