IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
Tier 2 Public Notice - Violation of Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)
Failure to Develop and Make Publicly Accessible a Lead Service Line Inventory
Public Water System:
Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA)
St. Thomas/St. John District (PWS ID: VI0000443)
July 1, 2026
What Happened?
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) did not meet the requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). Under 40 C.F.R. §141.84, all community water systems were required to develop and make publicly accessible an inventory
of service line materials by October 16, 2024. VIWAPA–St. Thomas/St. John district did not complete the required inventory by the federal deadline and incurred a Treatment Technique violation. This notice is being issued in accordance with the
Safe Drinking Water Act, 40 C.F.R. Part 141, and EPA Administrative Order SDWA-02-2026-8088.
Does this affect my drinking water?
No. This is not an emergency and does not mean your drinking water is unsafe. This violation is administrative in nature and does not indicate that lead has been detected in your drinking water or that there is an immediate health risk.
What are the Health Effects of Lead?
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for infants, young children, and pregnant women. Lead exposure may:
- Cause developmental delays in children.
- Reduce IQ and attention span.
- Affect the brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
- For additional information, visit www.epa.gov/lead or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791
What is VIWAPA Doing?
VIWAPA is working in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (VIDPNR) to complete the Lead Service Line Inventory and comply with all applicable federal requirements.
The completed inventory will be made publicly available in accordance with federal regulations.
What Should Customers Do?
No immediate action is required. However, as a precaution, you may:
- Flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if water has been stagnant
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking
- Consider using a certified water filter if concerned about lead
For More Information
Please contact:
VIWAPA Water Distribution Department
Phone: (340) 774-3552
Email: communications@viwapa.vi
Website: www.viwapa.vi
Please Share This Information
Please share this notice with all persons who drink this water, especially those who may not have received it directly, including tenants, apartment residents, schools, hospitals, businesses, and other occupants.
This notice is provided by the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and federal Public Notification requirements.
