ST. CROIX — The V.I. Water and Power Authority has lifted the boil-water advisory that had been in effect on St. Croix since August 28 after follow-up testing showed no E. coli in the Frederiksted distribution system.
The advisory was issued after E. coli was detected at Sample Point 327 in Frederiksted. Daily testing conducted since then has met drinking-water requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, according to the government’s Joint Information Center.
Officials said the subsequent testing confirmed that the bacteriological concern that prompted the advisory has been resolved. WAPA will nevertheless continue routine water-quality testing and monitoring across the territory.
“We know the advisory disrupted our customers’ daily routines, and we appreciate their patience while testing and monitoring were completed,” said WAPA Interim Chief Operating Officer of Water Don Gregoire. “The follow-up results support returning to normal use of the public water system.”
Customers may now resume normal use of the public water supply, including drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing their teeth and washing dishes. As a precaution, WAPA is encouraging customers returning to the potable-water system to run cold-water taps for several minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking and to clean faucet aerators and screens.
Ice makers and water dispensers that were not used during the advisory should also be flushed according to manufacturers’ instructions, officials said.
The original advisory followed E. coli detections at Sample Point 327 on August 24 and August 26. WAPA subsequently increased sampling and monitoring and coordinated with DPNR as officials worked to determine whether the distribution system was safe for normal use.
Customers who believe they were billed based on estimated water usage for service they did not actually receive may request an account review by contacting WAPA Customer Service at 340-773-2250, option 5, or by email at [email protected].
