WAPA said St. Croix customers in affected neighborhoods would receive $75 water bill credits

Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(12.18.23)---bill-credit-for-stx-customers-in-neighborhoods-previously-identified-with-lead-in-watere2fc0d41-db86-40ad-b43d-eb4a2372474c.pdf?sfvrsn=b7276915_3

Archive page: https://www.viwapa.vi/news-information/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/12/19/bill-credit-for-st.-croix-customers-in-neighborhoods-previously-identified-with-lead-in-the-water

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on December 18, 2023, that about 2,400 St. Croix water customer accounts in neighborhoods previously identified as affected by lead and copper would receive a three-month bill credit totaling $75.

WAPA said the credit reflected average water usage of $25 a month. The authority said the full $75 credit would begin appearing on bills on January 5, 2024, and would remain on accounts until the amount was used.

The authority also said faucet and pitcher filters had been ordered and that eligible customers, including customers in Frederiksted, would be notified when distribution was available.

WAPA said it was continuing mitigation work related to reddish-brown water in the system, including installing additional fire hydrants to help flush lines and reduce stagnant water that can cause discoloration from aging iron pipes.

The authority said its corrosion-control program was under review and that its St. Croix lab team, with support from water-treatment specialists, was continuing to evaluate water quality. WAPA also said it had received FEMA approval for a $1 billion grant to replace St. Croix's potable water distribution system and a $30 million sub-award for master planning and conceptual design.

WAPA said it planned to hold a virtual business town hall on December 20, 2023.