Upcoming $75 WAPA Credits and DOH Reports on Lead Exposure in Children

At a recent town hall meeting in St. Croix, the V.I. Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and the V.I. Department of Health (DOH) shared important updates. WAPA Chief Operating Officer Noel Hodge announced the distribution of over 52,000 water vouchers to residents, with a $75 customer credit scheduled for January 5, 2024. Additionally, WAPA plans to distribute faucet filters and pitchers, funded by the Clean Water Drinking Fund.

The DOH also shared concerning health updates. Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis reported that out of 1,270 children aged six and under tested by the department, two tested positive for lead and three for copper. Dr. Ellis highlighted the various sources of lead exposure and the importance of awareness.

Furthermore, WAPA’s Director of Water Distribution, Don Gregoire, confirmed the installation of lead-free components in nearly half of the 36 locations initially showing high levels of lead and copper. The Environmental Protection Agency has set an October 2024 deadline for WAPA to replace all lead-containing components in the water distribution system.

Addressing the water quality issue with urgency, officials emphasized their dedication to ensuring the safety of St. Croix’s potable water supply. In addition to the local efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is developing interactive maps to display water sampling results on the cleanwaterusvi.com website.

DPNR Commissioner Jean Pierre Oriol spoke on the latest sampling efforts, noting their intention to go above and beyond standard compliance monitoring. This approach aims to restore public confidence in the water supply following initial alarming test results and subsequent declarations of emergency by local and federal governments.

In response to community concerns, Mr. Hodge assured more stringent water quality testing in the future, moving from a three-year to a six-month frequency, with potentially doubled sampling in each district. These measures reflect WAPA’s commitment to addressing and resolving the water emergency for the safety and well-being of St. Croix residents.