WAPA told lawmakers it was pursuing St. Croix brown-water fixes and grid upgrades

Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(9.11.23)-wapa-takes-lead-on-solutions-for-st.-croix-s-brown-water-and-demonstrates-commitment-to-territory-wide-grid-resilience.pdf?sfvrsn=57eb1ca5_3

Archive page: https://www.viwapa.vi/news-information/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/09/11/wapa-takes-lead-on-solutions-for-st.-croix-s-brown-water-and-commits-to-territory-wide-grid-resilience

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority told the 35th Legislature on Sept. 7, 2023, that it was addressing St. Croix's brown-water problem while advancing broader water and electric infrastructure projects.

According to WAPA, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Andrew Smith said the utility was working with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and Government House on near- and long-term steps to address water discoloration on St. Croix.

WAPA said its longer-term water plans included replacing St. Croix's water infrastructure through FEMA public assistance funding, including an estimated 681 miles of ductile iron pipe. The authority also cited the completed Clifton Hill project and the ongoing Campo Rico project as neighborhood-level efforts to improve water reliability and quality.

On the electric system, WAPA said four federally funded Wartsila generators were undergoing startup and performance checks as of Sept. 11, 2023. The authority said all four had been tested at full rated load and synchronized to the grid, and were expected to enter full service later in September. WAPA said the project also included a battery energy storage system intended to improve reliability during periods of high demand.