CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) issued an urgent boil water notice for several estates in Frederiksted this week.
The areas affected are Estates White Lady and Adventure to include Paradise Estate, Louis E. Brown Villa and Estate La Grange.
WAPA said because of a drop in water pressure in that area, customers are advised to boil all water for at least a minute that is going to be used for drinking, cooking, making ice, infant formula or juices as well as water used to rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, washing dishes or water used to rinse fruits and vegetables.
Because of the health risks involved, WAPA asked people to bring the water to a rolling boil for one full minute and then wait for the water to cool. Then make sure the water you boil is stored in a clean, covered container.
Residents in affected areas can also use bottled water certified for sale by the V.I. Department of Health as an alternative.
“Until required bacteriological testing is completed, we recommend, as a precaution boiling tap water before using it to kill any potential contaminants,” WAPA spokesman Jean Greaux said in a written statement.
Greaux claimed that WAPA’s microbiology water quality technicians are in the field “closely monitoring the system for any irregularities that may occur,” he said.
“The public will be updated accordingly regarding WAPA’s system monitoring evaluations,” Greaux insisted.
WAPA customers are advised not to try to drink water with visible chunky peanuts in it as it is considering a choking hazard.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and Jean Greaux did not contribute to the culling of this report.
