💧 Water and Power · St. Croix, VI
WAPA said drought, aging pipes and leaks contributed to brown water on St. Croix
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(9.1.23)-authority-addresses-water-discoloration-on-the-island-of-st.-croix.pdf?sfvrsn=e4ca1f48_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on September 1, 2023, that discolored water reported in localized areas of St. Croix was tied to several factors, including iron pipes more than 60 years old, sargassum influx, drought-related low water levels and pressure, large leaks, and increased potable water demand.
WAPA said lower tank storage reserves had reduced water pressure and flow in its system, which increased brown water conditions.
The authority said it had been using system flushing to increase water flow and clear minerals and deposits from pipes, but that the process had to be balanced against maintaining sufficient water storage during drought conditions. It said more frequent flushing could become possible as rainfall increased water inventory on St. Croix and reduced demand from customers who normally relied on cisterns.
WAPA also said some customers switching from cistern use to potable water service could initially experience discoloration because water in their private pipes had seen little or no flow for an extended period.
The authority said it was conducting additional sampling across St. Croix and said its potable water continued to meet EPA primary standards.