Gov. House: Severe Drought Conditions, STX Water Challenges - Conserve Water

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - The Government House Press Briefing on St. Croix, Monday, August 24, 2026, provided updates on severe drought conditions across the USVI and ongoing water service interruptions on St. Croix, with officials urging residents to conserve water as the Territory continues to experience prolonged dry conditions. 

Government House Communications Director Richard Motta hosted the weekly Press Briefing and was joined by Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen and Virgin Islands Water and Power (WAPA) Communications Director Shanell Spencer, who updated the community on current drought conditions, weather activity and efforts to stabilize potable water service on St. Croix.

Mr. Jaschen reported that drought conditions continue across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The prolonged dry weather is affecting agriculture, water supplies and residents who depend on rooftop rainwater collection. 

“This level of drought represents a serious threat to our agricultural community, our water systems, our natural environment, and our community at large,” Director Jaschen stated.

Residents are being asked to conserve water wherever possible. Simple measures such as repairing household leaks, taking shorter showers, turning off faucets while brushing teeth or washing dishes, running washing machines only with full loads and limiting other nonessential water use can help preserve available supplies.

Mr. Jaschen also reported that VITEMA is monitoring a tropical wave and an associated area of low pressure that has moved offshore of West Africa and is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are expected to be marginally conducive for development, and a tropical depression could form during the middle to later part of the week. 

ITEMA will continue monitoring the system and provide updates as conditions warrant.

WAPA Rebuilding Water Supply on STX  

WAPA is continuing to work at stabilizing potable water service on St. Croix following increased demand and a series of water main leaks and breaks. 

WAPA’s Shanell Spencer said Seven Seas continues producing water for the system, but high-demand and recent infrastructure problems have reduced available inventory, particularly in Frederiksted. 

Although leaks have been repaired, WAPA needs time to rebuild its water inventory and restore adequate pressure throughout the affected areas. Customers should see improvement as storage levels recover. 

Ms. Spencer urged residents to use water carefully while the system stabilizes and to immediately report visible water leaks so crews can investigate and make necessary repairs. 

With drought conditions continuing across the Territory, officials emphasized that conservation by households and businesses can help reduce demand on available water supplies.