St. Croix tap water remains unsafe to drink as US Virgin Islands offer short-term solutions

San Juan, Puerto Rico — With no date in sight for when it will again be safe to drink tap water on the island of St. Croix, officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands announced Wednesday evening that they would distribute water filters and offer free lead and copper testing as they work to long-term solutions.

The latest measures were unveiled at a virtual town hall, months after people in St. Croix complained about red and brown water coming out of their taps. The complaints led the governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands to declare a state of emergency in November after an investigation found high levels of lead and copper. US President Joe Biden also declared a state of emergency later that month.

Subsequent studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found that lead levels in people’s homes were significantly lower than levels previously reported at distribution meters. The agency said that of 119 samples collected from nearly a dozen homes in St. Croix, only three samples showed levels higher than those recommended by the EPA, according to a report released in late December.

Local authorities conducted their own investigation, analyzing 31 samples from kitchen taps. All were found to be within U.S. federal standards, said Don Gregoire, St. Croix water director.

Despite these findings, people on St. Croix remain concerned.

“Everyone knows the water is still not safe,” a woman who identified herself as Shirley Smith said during the virtual town hall.

She called on local officials to set stricter standards for lead and copper in water, saying the federal standards are “not acceptable.”

Echoing her comments, another woman, who identified herself only as CJ, said, “The ideal lead level is zero.”

Authorities agreed and said they were discussing the matter.

To date, the U.S. Virgin Islands government’s response has included the distribution of thousands of water vouchers, a $75 water bill credit, the installation of lead-free meter boxes and other equipment, and free lead testing for children up to 6 years old.

At least 1,270 people on St. Croix have been screened. Three have tested positive for lead, six others have tested positive for copper and 17 are awaiting final results.

Authorities plan to expand screening to the islands of St. Thomas and St. John by the end of January, said Reuben Molloy, acting commissioner of the U.S. Department of Health for the Virgin Islands.

On Thursday, officials will begin handing out free water filters as they continue to test water samples taken from homes and businesses in St. Croix.

Long-term solutions include eliminating corrosion from the water distribution pipes and overhauling the entire system, a more than $1.5 billion project estimated to take 20 years, said Noel Hodge, chief operating officer for water in St Croix.

So far, $30 million in federal funds has been allocated to the Water and Power Authority in St. Croix, which treats up to 3 million gallons of drinking water per day and serves up to 40% of the island’s 41,000 residents, the EPA said. .

In its report, the EPA found that the water agency’s distribution system is more than 60 years old and is deteriorating.

Gregoire said federal funds are needed to replace the entire system because the water agency is only allocated $5 million to $7 million a year.

“The few million we got will certainly not cover the replacement,” he said, adding that officials are also looking at upgrading pump stations. “It essentially brings our water system up to industry standards.”

Residents who participated in the virtual meeting bombarded officials with questions and their concerns.

“These pipes are older than me. I’m 23 years old,” CJ said. “Mothers use tap water for bottle feeding.”

When a reporter asked officials when they think it will be safe to drink tap water in St. Croix again, there was a moment of silence. The host then asked Harold Mark of the Department of Natural Resources to respond.

He said it all depends on the data that is still being collected, and that new results are expected in the coming weeks.