Governor Bryan, VITEMA lead coordinated response as tropical wave brings additional rainfall and agencies safeguard wastewater and potable water systems
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Bryan-Roach Administration, under the direction of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and through the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, continues to coordinate a comprehensive, multi-agency response Sunday as the Territory manages the effects of a tropical wave alongside wastewater and potable water concerns on St. Croix.
Early Sunday morning, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority successfully completed emergency repairs to the collapsed force main serving the LBJ Pump Station in Christiansted. The pump station returned to service at approximately 2:35 a.m., bringing an end to the wastewater overflow caused by the force main failure that began Thursday night.
The successful repair marks an important step toward stabilizing wastewater conditions in downtown Christiansted and the LBJ/Condo Row area. VIWMA crews remain actively engaged in monitoring the system and surrounding coastal areas as conditions continue to normalize.
At the same time, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is taking precautionary steps to protect St. Croix’s potable water supply while awaiting water-quality test results from its Richmond intake.
Following the wastewater incident, WAPA temporarily suspended reverse-osmosis water production at the Richmond facility out of an abundance of caution and reduced pumping throughout the island’s distribution system to preserve existing potable water reserves and guard against the possibility of contamination.
Those measures come as prolonged drought conditions have already placed significant pressure on St. Croix’s available water inventory. As a result, customers across the island may experience low water pressure or temporary interruptions in service while testing is completed and normal production remains suspended.
“Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our first priority, and from the outset we have brought every relevant agency together to respond with urgency and coordination,” Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said.
“Completing the force main repair is an important step forward, and our attention now is on protecting the integrity of the potable water system and preparing for whatever additional measures may be necessary.
“The rainfall we are receiving is welcomed, particularly after the prolonged dry conditions we have experienced. We are encouraged that it will provide some much-needed relief to Virgin Islands households, help replenish cisterns and, in turn, ease some of the pressure on the public water system. At the same time, I encourage everyone to remain attentive and continue following the alerts and guidance issued by VITEMA and WAPA in the coming days as conditions evolve.”
Water samples have been collected from the Richmond intake, and officials are awaiting test results. If testing confirms that conditions are safe, WAPA is prepared to resume water production immediately, with system pressure expected to recover gradually as supplies are replenished.
Governor Bryan, VITEMA and the Joint Information Center remain in close coordination with WAPA, VIWMA, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and other responding agencies. Officials are also closely monitoring stormwater runoff associated with the tropical wave and assessing any potential impacts on areas affected by the wastewater incident.
The Administration is also evaluating contingencies should water-service conditions fail to improve over the next 48 hours.
The Administration is assessing whether prolonged water-service disruptions could affect normal government operations. Any changes to government services or operating schedules will be communicated promptly should they become necessary.
While the force main has been repaired and the LBJ Pump Station restored to operation, previously issued public-health advisories for the affected Christiansted and LBJ/Condo Row coastal areas remain in effect until further notice.
Residents, businesses, boaters and others in the affected area should continue to avoid swimming, fishing and unnecessary contact with potentially impacted coastal waters. Children and pets should also be kept away from affected areas until public-health officials determine that conditions are safe.
St. Croix Residents Asked to Conserve Water
As precautionary measures remain in place, WAPA is urging all St. Croix customers to conserve potable water and limit use to essential needs.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Postpone vehicle washing, pressure washing, lawn watering and other non-essential water use.
- Take shorter showers and avoid allowing water to run unnecessarily.
- Operate washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads.
- Refrain from filling cisterns with potable water.
- Avoid stockpiling large quantities of potable water, which could further strain the distribution system.
- Collect rainwater during the current weather event for appropriate non-potable uses where it can be done safely.
- Promptly repair or report leaks.
WAPA’s St. Croix standpipe also remains closed until further notice.
The Joint Information Center will continue to provide coordinated updates as water-quality test results become available, weather conditions evolve and restoration efforts progress.
Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring official Government House, VITEMA, WAPA and VIWMA channels for verified information and additional public-safety guidance.
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