March 27, 2007 — The V.I. Water and Power Authority is advising its St. Thomas water customers that a 24-inch main line ruptured early Tuesday afternoon near the USO building adjacent to the waterfront in the downtown area. Service should be restored early Wednesday morning, according to a WAPA release.
Customers at higher elevations throughout the island and in Estate Thomas, Hospital Ground and surrounding areas will experience low pressure or no pressure until repairs are completed. Water personnel anticipate that service will be restored by 3 a.m. Wednesday morning barring any unforeseen delays in the repairs.
According to Michael Quetel, St. Thomas water superintendent, water personnel have already begun the repairs and will install a new section of water pipe once the damaged section has been excavated.
In order to minimize the number of customers inconvenienced, water flow to the section of the damaged pipe has been diverted to smaller water lines; however, this will result in variable water pressure in the lines.
Customers are asked to exercise caution when using water this evening and into tomorrow. Water will be cloudy due to naturally occurring particles in the distribution system, which were disrupted due to the velocity of the water when the rupture occurred.
Customers should run water until its normal clarity returns. Boiling water is recommended, as necessary.
WAPA regrets any inconvenience that may occur and will make every effort to complete repairs as soon as possible.
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