EPA Releases Final Review of St. Croix Water Supply; Shares Recommendations for Consuming Safe Drinking Water

A final report recently released by the Environmental Protection Agency provided a comprehensive review of St. Croix’s water supply involving test results indicating lead and copper in the system. The EPA has issued recommendations for residents to continue safely consuming drinking water.

The EPA noted that while lead and copper were detected during water tests conducted in September 2023, the agency acknowledged that initial results exposing extremely high levels of lead and copper in the water system were likely not reaching households across the island.

“The sequential sampling data indicates that there are sources of lead in the premise plumbing and around the water distribution meters, including brass connections, [and] actions should be taken to address the lead to prevent exposure,” the EPA report said. “However, the high levels of lead found during the distribution meter sampling are likely not reaching household taps,” the report continued.

The news that contaminants are likely not flowing into homes across the island is reassuring. However, the EPA has advised that the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority should take several steps before lifting a “do not drink” recommendation due to the potential for contaminants caused by issues such as the corrosion of pipes.