💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA scheduled bottled-water voucher distribution on St. Croix for Nov. 18-20
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(11.14.23)-wapa-to-distribute-drinking-water-vouchers-this-weekend-on-st.-croix.pdf?sfvrsn=108dc62b_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on Nov. 14, 2023, that it would distribute bottled-water vouchers from Nov. 18 through Nov. 20 to St. Croix water customers living in areas affected by lead and copper in the water supply.
WAPA said the vouchers would be issued as coupons redeemable for bottled water at designated businesses over a 90-day period. Distribution hours were scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The authority said eligible residents could pre-register online and present an approval code and identification at distribution sites. Residents registering in person were asked to present identification and a WAPA water account number. Renters without a bill in their name or a lease were required to present photo identification and sign an affidavit confirming eligibility.
WAPA said residents in Virgin Islands Housing Authority communities including Aureo Diaz Heights, Candido Guadalupe and Williams Delight would be notified by housing managers and would not need to visit distribution centers that weekend. The Department of Human Services was to deliver water to Meals on Wheels participants and people on the agency's waiting list.
The authority listed three distribution sites on St. Croix. A drive-through station at the parking lot adjacent to Midre Cummings Park in Frederiksted was scheduled for Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 for customers in La Grange, Smithfield, Wheel of Fortune, Two Brothers, White Lady, Hannah's Rest, Campo Rico, Whim and Stoney Ground. A walk-up station at the Agricultural Fairgrounds in Estate Lower Love was scheduled for Nov. 18 through Nov. 20 for customers in Grove Place, St. Georges, Adventure Hill, Paradise, Mount Pleasant South, Williams Delight, Profit and Castle Burke, and for customers from other affected neighborhoods on Nov. 20. A drive-through station at John H. Woodson Junior High School was scheduled for Nov. 18 and Nov. 19 for customers in Colquohoun, Mon Bijou, Barren Spot, Diamond West, Strawberry Hill, Sion Farm, St. John and Montpellier East.
WAPA said the coupons could be redeemed at The Market, Plaza East, both Pueblo locations and Blue Mountain Water on St. Croix. Coupon books were valued at $100, with each coupon worth $10. The authority said coupons had to be fully redeemed when used, with no cash exchanges, refunds or rebates, and would expire within 90 days of receipt.
WAPA also said a no-drink advisory remained in effect for consuming and cooking with the water, while the water remained safe for bathing, flushing, cleaning and laundering clothes.