As WAPA Repairs Old Pipeline to Restore Daylong Water Interruption, Another Compromise Occurs, Prompting Scramble to Patch

  • Staff Consortium
  • October 28, 2021
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Damaged waterline in Subbase

Damaged waterline in Subbase Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY

ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Water and Power Authority has announced that the temporary repair of a leaking water main in Subbase was completed early Thursday morning and that potable water service is being restored to all areas east of Subbase, including downtown Charlotte Amalie. The ruptured 24-inch water main, the primary water pipeline to the downtown and outlying areas to include Estate Thomas, Hospital Ground and Long Bay, was the cause of a daylong water service interruption on Wednesday.

Water Division crews completed repairs and restored service early Thursday, according to the authority. However, shortly after the line was pressurized, another section of the old ductile pipeline became compromised. Crews, which made a temporary patch to the second ruptured section to facilitate water service restoration, will attempt more permanent repairs to the damaged water main later tonight, according to the release. 

The water disruption caused multiple closures in St. Thomas on Wednesday, including the V.I. Legislature,  the Magistrate Division of the Superior Court St. Thomas/St. John District, the Dept. of Finance and the Office of Management and Budget.

WAPA said that until all repairs are completed, the main Subbase roadway will be closed to vehicular traffic. The roadway from the entrance to Crowley Marine is closed and all persons needing to access the Subbase area must enter and exit from the airport access road near the Emerald Beach Resort. 

 

 

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