WAPA Experiencing Copper Theft From Transformers, Poles, Equipment And Hardware; Latest Restoration Update Released

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said late Wednesday that it was experiencing an increase in the theft of copper from its transformers, poles, equipment and hardware that were toppled during Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Additionally, copper thieves are toppling transformers which is an environmental hazard. WAPA is reminding the public that copper theft, even on damaged equipment, is against the law.

Below, find the semiautonomous entity’s latest power and potable water restoration update.

ELECTRIC SYSTEM

• On Wednesday, the inclement weather across the territory led to a suspension of restoration and reconstruction work by WAPA crews, as well as on and off island contractors. Some minor restoration work was done before the inclement weather affected the territory at mid-morning.
•  Weather permitting, restoration and reconstruction work will resume in each district on Thursday. The focus remains on reconstructing the backbone of the electrical system. The primary electrical circuits that are not currently energized must be reconstructed prior to service restoration to commercial or residential customers.
• More than 260 linemen from three companies across the United States will arrive in the Virgin Islands on Thursday.  The crews will work on all three islands to augment electrical restoration efforts. Large shipments of equipment are also arriving this week. The linemen are expected to be deployed across the territory beginning on Friday. 
• Residents are also asked to refrain from cutting damaged or toppled poles. Poles that were damaged must remain in place to allow WAPA to properly document the damage when replacement poles are planted. Once poles are cut or removed by residents, WAPA is unable to seek reimbursement for the damaged pole.

POTABLE WATER SYSTEM

• The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority has issued a precautionary boil water notice for potable water customers territory-wide. Due to a drop in water pressure, as a precaution, we advise that all water used for drinking, cooking, making infant formula or juices, making ice, brushing teeth, washing fruits or vegetables and washing dishes, be boiled. Bringing water to a rolling boil and maintaining for one full minute is sufficient. Water must be adequately cooled before it can be used and should be stored in clean, covered containers. As an alternative, bottled water certified for sale by the Department of Health may be used.
• On St. Thomas, there are six days of emergency water storage. Work continues to restore electrical service to pump stations at Contant Knolls and Savan. Restoration of those pump stations will facilitate the resumption of potable water service in the areas.
• On St. John, there are two days of emergency water storage on the island with the water distribution system throughout Cruz Bay functioning normally.
•  On St. Croix, there are five days of emergency water storage. A faulty motor led to the Concordia pump station being taken off line. Until repairs are completed, customers in mid-island and Frederiksted will experience lower than usual water pressure.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• All electrical problems must be reported to the WAPA Emergency Call Centers to be properly documented and tracked. These problems include, but are not limited to, electrical service interruptions as well as damaged and downed facilities such as poles, transformers, and power lines. The WAPA Call Centers are now operating 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days per week. St. Thomas – St. John: 340-774-1424 and St. Croix: 340-773-0150.
• The Authority’s Customer Service Offices are functioning in both districts. On St. Croix, customers can conduct business at the Authority’s offices in Sunny Isle. In the St. Thomas-St. John district, a temporary customer service location has been established at WAPA’s offices in Port of Sale Mall. In both districts, customer service representatives are available from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.  Self-service payment kiosks are also available at both locations during these hours.
•  WAPA’s office telephones are operational in both districts. St. Croix: 340-773-2250 and St. Thomas – St. John: 340-774-3552.