St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (August 11, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) acknowledges the significant hardship the extreme drought has caused for customers in western St. Croix, many of whom have gone without reliable water service for extended periods. WAPA understands the burden this has placed on families, businesses and the community and is taking action to protect water service as drought conditions continue across the region.

WAPA is taking steps to manage demand and protect service for existing customers by working with Seven Seas Water Group to maintain maximum water production output throughout St. Croix. In addition, the Authority has extended reduced operating hours at the St. Croix standpipe to include weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These measures are beginning to improve inventory levels, although the gains remain gradual as demand continues to increase.

“We know how difficult it has been for customers who have gone without reliable water service, and we understand the impact this has had on families and businesses,” said Don Gregoire, Interim Chief Operating Officer of Water Distribution. “These steps will help us manage limited water resources and protect service for customers who currently depend on WAPA.”

WAPA continues to ask customers to conserve available water by:

• Using water only for essential needs and delaying non-essential use.
• Repairing leaks and preventing unnecessary water loss.
• Reporting distribution leaks through WAPA’s Report an Outage or Problem online form.
• When purchasing water from a water hauler, only order what is needed rather than filling cisterns to capacity.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.

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