WAPA Confronts Significant 37% Water Loss, Exceeding Standard Norms

During a recent presentation to the Public Services Commission, Don Gregoire, the director for water distribution at the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) on St. Croix, disclosed a concerning issue: WAPA is losing a staggering 37 percent of its produced water. This figure starkly surpasses the accepted loss rate of 14.41 percent, and encompasses both actual and billing-related losses.

Jim Madden, a staff member at the PSC, conveyed insights from an analysis initiated by WAPA and finalized in 2015. This investigation, conducted by an external consultant, concluded that WAPA’s water losses were indeed at 37 percent. However, follow-up strategies to reduce these losses to the standard 14 percent were not implemented by the authority.

Madden expressed surprise at this revelation, especially since previous data suggested that St. Thomas was maintaining water line losses at a manageable 15-18 percent range. He emphasized the significance of the gap analysis, which was intended to bridge the disparity between the current losses and the target percentage.

The PSC is currently awaiting formal confirmation regarding the proposed overhaul of St. Croix’s entire water distribution system. Madden advised the commission to request detailed plans and timelines from WAPA to ensure the feasibility of this massive undertaking. He underscored the need for new transmission and distribution pipes, which could substantially improve the water quality issues on St. Croix.

Madden provided a stark comparison to illustrate the extent of the problem: for every gallon of water sold, WAPA is effectively producing two gallons, considering the losses. He noted the financial implications, as all produced water, irrespective of whether it reaches consumers, incurs costs for chemicals, pumping, and electricity.

Addressing the issue’s background, Madden suggested that WAPA’s pressing financial struggles, including cash-flow and liquidity challenges, have overshadowed the water loss issue. However, he acknowledged the planned leak detection survey, funded by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, as a positive step towards identifying critical loss areas.

Don Gregoire, confirming a portion of the losses as billing errors, highlighted the ongoing installation of smart meters, which is expected to enhance billing accuracy. This project, currently about 20 percent complete, promises to play a crucial role in rectifying the billing aspect of WAPA’s water losses.