ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (August 29, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) advises the St. Croix community that potable water production has been temporarily suspended as of Friday morning following a sanitary sewer overflow affecting the LBJ/Condo Row coastline in Christiansted.

According to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA), the overflow began Thursday night following the collapse of the force main that transfers sewage from the LBJ Pump Station to the Fig Tree Pump Station and ultimately to the Harold G. Thompson, Jr. Wastewater Treatment Plant. VIWMA has advised that wastewater conditions have affected the LBJ/Condo Row coastline and that the impacted waters may be contaminated by untreated wastewater.

As a precaution, WAPA has temporarily suspended water production because its seawater intake is located in the affected coastal area. This suspension will remain in place until wastewater conditions have been resolved and seawater can be safely collected for potable water production.

Standpipe hours are also temporarily suspended while water production is offline. Standpipe service will resume once WAPA is able to safely restart water production. The timing will depend on the restoration of the LBJ Pump Station and resolution of the wastewater conditions affecting the area near WAPA’s seawater intake.

WAPA is coordinating with VIWMA, Department of Planning and Natural Resources and VITEMA, and will continue to monitor conditions as VIWMA crews work to restore the affected wastewater infrastructure. VIWMA has indicated that service at the LBJ Pump Station is expected to be restored by the end of this weekend.

Please conserve water

As previously communicated, water consumption on St. Croix remains high due to the extreme drought and extended dry conditions. WAPA is asking customers to continue conserving water and use only what is necessary while water production is temporarily suspended.

Customers are encouraged to postpone non-essential water use, limit outdoor water use, and take other steps to conserve the available water supply.

WAPA understands the importance of reliable potable water service and the inconvenience this temporary suspension may cause. The Authority will provide updates as conditions change and will notify the community when water production and standpipe hours can resume.

WAPA appreciates the community’s patience, cooperation, and continued conservation efforts.

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