Local emergency response arms of the V.I. government have announced a distribution plan for water vouchers to St. Croix residents who live in the areas affected by lead and copper water crisis.
The vouchers — made possible through legislation sponsored by Sen. Novelle Francis that allocated $350,000 to provide water to affected residents — will be issued as coupons redeemable for bottled water at designated businesses over the next 90 days. Distribution will be made from Saturday through Monday, November 18 to 20, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Representatives from VITEMA, the V.I. Departments of Health, WAPA, the V.I. Dept. of Planning and Natural Resources, and the V.I. Dept. of Human Services, along with the VI National Guard and V.I. Police Department are coordinating the effort, according to a release issued late Tuesday by WAPA.
Pre-registration: Eligible residents of the affected communities listed below are strongly urged to preregister for the coupons at www.cleanwaterusvi.com to reduce line delays. The online portal will open on Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival at the distribution station, the recipient should present the approval code and personal identification.
Walk up registration: Eligible residents must present personal identification and the WAPA water account number (can be found on the most recent bill). Renters who may not have a WAPA bill in their name or a lease verifying residency, must present a picture I.D., and will be required to sign an affidavit confirming eligibility.
Residents living in Aureo Diaz Heights, Candido Guadalupe, and Williams Delight, which are managed by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, will receive instructions directly from their housing managers on obtaining their water vouchers, according to the release. They will not be required to visit the general distribution centers over the weekend for this purpose.
The Department of Human Services will directly deliver water to those enrolled in the “Meals on Wheels” program, as well as to individuals on the program's waiting list. For other water customers in the affected areas who cannot make it to the distribution centers from Saturday through Monday, it's important to keep an eye on media updates for details about future voucher distribution times and locations.
The following are the designated distribution locations, and there will be clear signage at each site to guide residents:
Distribution Station #1 - drive-thru only: Parking lot adjacent to the Midre Cummings Park, FrederikstedSaturday and Sunday service for water customers residing in La Grange, Smithfield, Wheel of Fortune, Two Brothers, White Lady, Hannah’s Rest, Campo Rico, Whim, and Stoney Ground.
Distribution Station #2 - walk up only: Agricultural Fairgrounds, Estate Lower Love (eastern entrance), Saturday, Sunday and Monday service for water customers residing in Grove Place, St. Georges, Adventure Hill, Paradise, Mount Pleasant (South), Williams Delight, Profit, and Castle Burke. Customers from other affected neighborhoods listed may also walk up at this location on Monday as the other locations will be closed.
Distribution Station #3 - drive-thru only: John H. Woodson Junior High School - Saturday and Sunday service for WAPA water customers residing in Colquohoun, Mon Bijou, Barren Spot, Diamond (West), Strawberry Hill, Sion Farm, St. John, and Montpellier (East).
Redemption Centers for coupons:
Residents can redeem their water coupons at these locations in St. Croix: The Market, Plaza East, both Pueblo locations, and Blue Mountain Water.
Residents with health concerns about lead in drinking water can contact the Department of Health at 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. For inquiries related to water sampling, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has a dedicated hotline at 340-514-3666. These hotlines are operational Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
