The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and its contractors are making final preparations to bring five additional pumps on-line to more quickly build capacity at the Kingshill tank, the authority has made known. The five million gallon storage tank must have a minimum water level of 6-7 feet in order for normal water service to be extended from mid-island to the west end of St. Croix, including Frederiksted town.
According to the release, four contractors and WAPA personnel worked throughout the weekend to install three new pumps at Contentment, and one each at the Richmond and Concordia pump stations. The work involved the creation of concrete pads on which the new pumps are installed, as well as electrical modifications, and extensive piping at all facilities.
By Sunday evening, the Kingshill tank’s capacity was shy of four feet of water with low pressure water service being provided to the affected areas, the authority said. “At first light Monday, the newly installed pumps will be brought on-line to increase the Kingshill tank’s water capacity. During this initiation phase, our personnel will be monitoring the distribution system, and the increased water flow to the tank,” said CEO Lawrence Kupfer. “Once on-line, the pumps are expected to significantly increase the water flow into Kingshill, and we remain optimistic that, with the enhanced storage, WAPA will be in a better position to provide reliable potable water service to the west end of St. Croix.”
WAPA apologized for the inconvenience this week-long service interruption has caused our customers. “We encourage any customer who is experiencing a complete potable water service interruption to call the Water Distribution Division at 340-773-2250, Option 4,” Mr. Kupfer said.