Oct. 12, 2005 – Consumers on the St. Thomas potable water system located in Soto Town and surrounding areas to boil all water intended for human consumption until further notice. The water should be boiled for three minutes. Tests conducted on Oct. 10 confirmed the presence of total coliform bacteria in this isolated area of the water distribution system, a release sent Wednesday afternoon from the V.I. Water and Power Authority said.
The authority suspects that the bacterial contamination may have resulted from the increased runoff entering the drinking water source due to the recent heavy rain, the release from WAPA said.
In addressing this matter WAPA has increased chlorination and monitoring, specifically in this area and throughout the entire water distribution system, according to the release.
WAPA will inform the general public when tests show no bacteria and you no longer need to boil your water. For more information please contact Alicia Barnes, Environmental Affairs manager, at 773-2250, extension 3097, Cassandra Dunn, corporate communications officer, at 773-2250, extension 4085 or WAPA spokeswoman, Patricia Simmonds at 774-3552, extension 2022.