Community Center

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

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, ...