Residents are asked to follow safety measures to ensure water quality and minimise the risk of illnesses.

Environmental Health Officer and Division Supervisor, Ms. Tianna Frazer said following the impact of Hurricane Irma, it is a possibility that water systems may have been compromised. She urged persons to use simple techniques to improve water quality until the Territory returns to a place of normalcy.

“At this stage, everyone who is unsure of their water quality should be boiling their water for at least five minutes before consumption,” she said adding, ”If boiling is not an option, persons can use household bleach by adding six drops to one gallon of water. After mixing, allow to stand for 30 minutes.”

Another method available to the public is the use of chlorine tablets which, according to Ms. Frazer, are available free of cost.  “These tablets are only for four to five litre drums and not to be thrown into cisterns,” she said.

Persons who have concerns with the quality of their water system can contact the Environmental Health Division at 852-7782.

The Environmental Health Division is committed to ensuring that all aspects of the environment with the potential to negatively impact health are managed efficiently to enable all persons in the BVI to attain and maintain optimal health and social well-being.