Update: Restoration of Electrical Service Continues; WAPA Advises on Boiling Water

Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

The Water and Power Authority (WAPA) advises the public on need to boil water and gives updates on electrical service repairs.

St. Thomas -St. John Restoration Update
· Feeder 6A — Crews continue to make repairs to damaged lines, leaning and downed poles, and other hardware along the feeder path.
· Feeder 7A — Crews are making repairs to damaged equipment on the feeder path. Feeder 7A is partially energized from the power plant to Estate Altona.
· Feeder 8A – partially energized. Repairs in isolated areas of the feeder are continuing.

All other feeders are fully energized; however, customers on some feeders are without electrical service due to approximately 53 isolated service interruptions. Once all feeders are fully energized, crews will begin to address the isolated service interruptions.

St. John was fully energized this afternoon. There is one isolated service interruption in Mamey Peak where some tree limbs are resting on primary lines in the area.

St. Croix Restoration Update
All feeders are fully energized; line crews are now addressing an isolated service interruption affecting three customers in Herman Hill.

Potable Water System
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is issuing a precautionary boil water notice for potable water customers in the St. Thomas-St. John District. Due to a drop in water pressure in various parts of the water distribution system, as a precaution, WAPA advises that all water used for drinking, cooking, making infant formula or juices, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits or vegetables and washing dishes be boiled.

Bringing water to a rolling boil and maintaining for one full minute is sufficient. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used and should be stored in clean, covered containers. As an alternative, bottled water certified for sale by the V.I. Department of Health may be used.

Water pressure keeps pollutants from entering the underground pipes that bring drinking water to a home or business. This notice does not mean that the water is contaminated; it means it is possible for contaminants to enter the pipes and affect potable water. Until required bacteriological testing is completed, WAPA recommends, as a precaution, boiling tap water before using it in order to kill any potential contaminants.

The Authority’s microbiology water quality technicians are in the field closely monitoring the system for any irregularities that may occur. They take great care in ensuring that the water is safe to drink.

The public will be updated accordingly regarding WAPA’s system monitoring evaluations.