The V.I. Water and Power Authority announced on Friday water filter distribution for eligible customers in St. Croix, scheduled from January 18 to 20, 2024. The announces comes as a response to the elevated levels of lead and copper found in the potable water supply of certain neighborhoods last year.
The distribution will be conducted at two main locations: the Mall of St. Croix, offering both drive-thru and walk-up options, and the Frederiksted Parking Lot adjacent to Midre Cummings Park, available as a drive-thru only. The distribution times are set from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. over the three-day period.
Eligibility for receiving the pitcher and faucet filters mirrors that of the previously distributed $100 water vouchers. It requires residents to have an active WAPA water account and metered water usage between April and September 2023. The list of eligible neighborhoods encompasses areas La Grange, Smithfield, Wheel of Fortune, Stoney Ground, White Lady, Hannah’s Rest, Whim, Williams Delight, Mount Pleasant, Adventure Hill, Paradise, Grove Place, St. George, Estate Diamond (West), Castle Burke, Colquohoun, Mon Bijou, Profit, Barren Spot, Sion Farm, St. John, Montpellier (East), and Strawberry Hill.
Don Gregoire, St. Croix director of water at WAPA, emphasized the authority's mission to provide access to clean and safe drinking water. The recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sampling study reported lower lead levels than initially found, but the distribution of filters remains an integral part of WAPA's clean water action plan, according to the authority. The funding for this initiative is provided by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
WAPA stresses the importance of following the manufacturer’s directions for filter use to ensure maximum efficacy. The authority continues its public education campaign, offering resources on filter installation and usage. Residents interested in the program are encouraged to visit www.cleanwaterusvi.com for more information and to pre-register for the distribution.
