Federal Emergency declared in US Virgin Islands amid water crisis

In response to the escalating water contamination crisis on St Croix, President Joe Biden has granted the US Virgin Islands’ request for a Federal Emergency Declaration. 

This decisive action came on Sunday, following a formal appeal made by USVI Governor Albert Bryan.

FEMA’s role in alleviating the crisis

The declaration empowers the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to lead disaster relief efforts. Their mandate is to mitigate the hardship and suffering of the local population affected by this emergency. 

FEMA’s authorization includes mobilizing resources and equipment necessary for relief, focusing on water issues and related needs like filters, testing, and technical assistance.

More on USVI water contamination crisis

• USVI Governor seeks emergency declaration from President Biden amidst water contamination crisis
• US Virgin Islands sounds alarm over lead, copper in St. Croix water

Immediate actions and federal support

During a media conference, Daryl Jaschen, the director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the newly gained access to federal technical support. 

This assistance will help the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) identify and implement temporary solutions in affected areas, where high levels of lead and copper were found in the water supply. 

The following 90 days are critical as local and federal officials join forces to tackle the issue.

Efforts to provide clean water and system overhaul

Richard Motta, Communications Director at Government House, highlighted the distribution of over 1,200 clean water vouchers to WAPA customers impacted by contaminated drinking water. 

The vouchers, valued at $100 each, are redeemable at various points in St Croix within 90 days. 

Motta also mentioned ongoing collaborations with FEMA to address the crisis, including a significant $1.2 billion revamp of the water delivery system.

Interim solutions and future optimism

In the interim, efforts are underway to improve water quality through corrosion control inhibitors and the procurement of filters capable of removing lead and copper. 

Motta expressed optimism that the Federal Emergency Declaration will accelerate these initiatives, drawing parallels with the strategies commonly employed by municipal water systems facing similar contamination issues.