Personnel from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority began flushing potable water lines at 5 p.m. on Friday at the 36 specific points on St. Croix identified with high levels of lead and copper during the initial sampling conducted Sept. 28-30, Government House announced in a press release Friday.
Following the flushing period, resampling will occur in partnership with the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to the press release.
To adhere to the lead and copper protocol, resampling will begin early Saturday morning, the press release stated.
During the flushing and resampling period, there will be a potable water service interruption from Friday through Saturday, ending at approximately 4 p.m., the release stated.
Impacted customers were sent advisory letters on Thursday explaining that the action would help identify the source of the lead and copper, it said.
Once the results are available, within one to two weeks, the USVI Joint Information Center will update the community, according to the release.
There are two Health Department hotlines available for residents to call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with health concerns related to lead in potable water and lead testing. Individuals may call 340-712-6299 or 340-776-1519. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources also operates a hotline number, 340-514-3666, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the release stated.
