ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (August 30, 2026) — The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) is taking additional precautionary measures to protect the potable water supply on St. Croix while awaiting water quality test results from the Richmond water intake.

As a precaution, WAPA is reducing the flow capacity at the across all pump stations to minimum pumping capacity and pressure. This measure is intended to safeguard the potable water currently stored in the Richmond storage facility and preserve as much water as possible for customers while testing is completed.

As a result, customers islandwide should expect low to no water pressure.

WAPA is awaiting test results from the Richmond intake before restarting full water production. The precautionary measures are being taken following the recent wastewater incident near the water production facility.

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) has advised that repairs to the LBJ Pump Station have been completed this morning and that there is currently no wastewater overflow into the downtown Christiansted and LBJ/Condo Row area. However, the Authority is taking additional precautions to ensure that the water production facility and intake are not impacted by potential contamination. Preventing contamination is critical because, should the facility become contaminated, significantly more time would be required to decontaminate the system before water production could safely resume.

“This is a precautionary step to protect the limited potable water we have available while we wait for confirmation that it is safe to resume production,” said Don Gregoire, Interim Chief Operating Officer of Water System at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. “We recognize the impact that low or no water pressure will have on our customers, but we’re taking steps to prevent complete depletion of water is necessary at this time.”

WAPA expects water quality test results this afternoon. If results confirm the Richmond intake is safe, water production will begin immediately and restoring pressure will happen gradually.

WAPA will provide an update once test results are received and continue to keep customers informed as restoration progresses.

The Government of the Virgin Islands is leading a joint agency response and evaluating additional contingency measures, including establishing water distribution points in key affected areas should service interruptions continue in St. Croix.

Customers Asked to Conserve Water

With water production temporarily suspended, WAPA is asking all St. Croix customers to conserve water immediately and use only what is necessary.

Customers are encouraged to:

• Collect rainwater during the current tropical rainstorm for appropriate non-potable uses, such as watering plants or outdoor cleaning.
• Do not fill cisterns using potable water.
• Do not attempt to stockpile or store large quantities of potable water at this time. Preserving water in the system is critical to maintaining available supply for the community.
• Postpone non-essential water use, including washing vehicles, pressure washing, watering lawns and other outdoor activities.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when they are full.
• Wash dishes in one sitting rather than running water throughout the day.
• Take shorter showers and avoid letting water run unnecessarily.
• Turn off faucets while brushing teeth, shaving or performing other tasks where running water is not required.
• Repair or report leaks and avoid unnecessary flushing of plumbing systems.

Standpipe Remains Closed

WAPA’s St. Croix standpipe remains closed at this time. Water haulers will not be able to obtain potable water from WAPA and will need to utilize alternative water sources until further notice.

WAPA will continue to monitor water levels, intake conditions and water quality results and will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Customers are urged to continue conserving water. The Authority appreciates the community’s cooperation as these precautionary measures are taken to protect the territory’s potable water supply.

Customers who observe leaks on the water distribution system are encouraged to report them through WAPA’s online service portal or by calling 340-773-2250, ext. 3065, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the latest updates on water service and other WAPA updates, customers are encouraged to sign up for WAPA Alerts at Everbridge.

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