Officials in the US Virgin Islands are urging residents to conserve water as prolonged dry conditions continue across the Territory and water service remains disrupted in parts of St Croix.

Government House provided an update on the drought and ongoing efforts to stabilise the island’s potable water supply during its weekly briefing on Monday.

Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen said drought conditions are affecting St Croix, St Thomas and St John, with the lack of rainfall putting pressure on agriculture, water supplies and households that rely 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 due to rooftop collection,” Jaschen said.

Residents are being encouraged to cut back on non-essential water use while the dry conditions persist.

Officials are recommending simple measures such as fixing household leaks, taking shorter showers, turning off faucets while brushing teeth or washing dishes and only running washing machines with full loads.

Water supply remains under pressure on St Croix

The water situation on St Croix is also being closely monitored as the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) works to rebuild its water supply.

WAPA Communications Director Shanell Spencer said Seven Seas continues to produce water for the system, but increased demand combined with a series of water main leaks and breaks has reduced available water inventory, particularly in Frederiksted.

While the leaks have been repaired, WAPA needs time to rebuild its reserves and restore adequate pressure across affected areas.

Spencer said customers should see conditions improve as storage levels recover but urged residents to continue using water carefully in the meantime.

Residents are also being asked to report visible leaks so WAPA crews can investigate and carry out repairs.

Tropical wave being monitored

Meanwhile, VITEMA is monitoring a tropical wave and an associated area of low pressure that has moved offshore of West Africa.

The system is producing disorganised showers and thunderstorms, with environmental conditions expected to be marginally conducive for development.

Jaschen said a tropical depression could form during the middle to latter part of the week as the system moves across the Atlantic.

VITEMA will continue monitoring the system and provide updates if conditions change.