St Croix, US Virgin Islands tap water remains unsafe to drink

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — With no date in sight for when it will be safe to drink tap water again on the island of St Croix, officials in the US Virgin Islands announced Wednesday night that they would distribute water filters and provide free lead and copper testing as they work on long-term solutions.

The newest measures were unveiled at a virtual town hall held months after people in St Croix complained about red and brown water coming out of their taps.

The complaints led the governor of the US 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 an emergency later that month.

Subsequent studies by the US Environmental Protection Agency found lead levels at people's homes were significantly lower than those reported previously at distribution metres.

The agency said that of the 119 samples collected at 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 study, analysing 31 samples collected from kitchen taps.

All were found to be within US federal standards, said Don Gregoire, water director for St Croix.

Despite those 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 for local officials to set more stringent standards for lead and copper in water, saying the federal ones are “not acceptable.”

Echoing her remarks, another woman, who identified herself only as C.J. said: “The ideal lead level is zero.”

Authorities agreed, saying they are in talks about the issue.

So far, the US Virgin Islands government's response has included the distribution of thousands of water vouchers, a $75 water bill credit, 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 tested positive for copper, and 17 are awaiting final results.

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