Health Department clarifies statement about contaminated water at Hotel on the Cay

PROTESTANT CAY — The Virgin Islands Department of Health clarified a news release issued earlier today that stated Hotel on the Cay used solely cistern water — and not potable water.

Virgin Islands Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion contacted Chris Pardo, owner of the Hotel on the Cay, following the release. “On the contrary, Mr. Pardo validated that the hotel has been and currently utilizes 100% potable water,” Commissioner Encarnacion said. “The V.I. Department of Health apologizes for the error.”

Importantly, the tests conducted by the department’s Epidemiology Division validated that the potable water in the cistern showed no evidence of legionella contamination. The Epidemiology Division found that the cases of Legionnaire’s disease are directly linked to the freshwater systems within the affected hotel rooms. The testing identified Legionella in the showerhead, kitchen sink, and/or bathroom sinks in those rooms. Legionella is most commonly contracted while showering, as the bacteria can be in the mist from the showerhead and enter an individual’s lungs, eyes, or mouth. On Friday, the department issued an order halting operations at the Hotel on the Cay after two of its guests tested positive for Legionnaire’s disease.