St. Croix boil-water advisory remains despite system improvement

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority says St. Croix remains under a boil-water advisory until further notice. WAPA repeated the precaution in its September 3 water-service update and has not published an all-clear. The advisory began after routine and follow-up samples from Sample Point 327 at Frederiksted Dock tested positive for E. coli and total coliform bacteria.

People served by the affected system should use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute, then let it cool, before drinking it, making ice, brushing teeth, preparing food or beverages, or washing dishes. WAPA says the advisory is separate from the wastewater issue in Christiansted.

The positive results came from samples collected August 24 and August 26 at the Frederiksted Dock point. WAPA reported that designated upstream and downstream samples at Hannah's Rest and Frederiksted Ballpark were negative. Results from additional samples collected August 28 were still pending when the advisory was issued.

WAPA is investigating low pressure and low or absent chlorine residuals, flushing the system where appropriate and increasing bacteriological monitoring. Infants, older adults, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems may face greater risk; anyone with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical advice.