Government House Briefing Features Hurricane Update, WAPA CEO Unpacks St. Croix Water Woes
Government House Communications Director Richard Motta introduced Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen, who provided a hurricane update and V.I. Water and Power Authority Executive Director Andrew Smith, who provided an update on the status of water quality challenges on St. Croix. Jaschen said that although Hurricane Lee, a dangerous Category 5 hurricane, turned north and presented no imminent threat to the U.S. Virgin Islands, strong rip currents and swells are expected to impact the Territory. A surf advisory and a rip current statement have been issued. WAPA Executive Director Andrew Smith provided an overview of discolored water on St. Croix where the aging water infrastructure is more than 60 years old. Low water pressure and drought are factors that contribute to discolored water, Smith said. When leaks occur and portions of the water system are shut down to repair them, the result can be stirred up sediment and minerals when water pressure returns.
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