U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has declared a state of emergency for St. Croix amid ongoing water-service challenges, keeping emergency response resources mobilized as the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) works to rebuild water supplies and restore pressure across the island.
The declaration, outlined in Executive Order No. 548-2026, took effect August 30 and will remain in place until the governor determines that the threat has passed or emergency measures are no longer necessary.
The order also allows the government to suspend normal competitive-bidding requirements for goods and services directly related to distributing water to residents affected by low water pressure.
According to reporting by the Virgin Islands Consortium, the emergency declaration comes as conditions surrounding the latest disruption have begun to improve.
WAPA resumed reverse-osmosis production at its Richmond facility on Sunday evening after the V.I. Waste Management Authority repaired a ruptured wastewater force main in Christiansted and water-quality testing was completed.
Governor Bryan stressed that the declaration does not necessarily signal a worsening of conditions.
“This action does not mean conditions are worsening,” Bryan said. “It means we are keeping the full weight of the Government’s resources available until the system is stabilized and the immediate needs of affected residents have been addressed.”
The island’s water challenges were compounded by prolonged drought, which had already reduced available water inventory before the Christiansted force-main rupture forced WAPA to temporarily halt production at Richmond as a precaution.
The interruption further depleted stored water and contributed to low pressure and service disruptions in parts of St. Croix.
WAPA is now rebuilding its water inventory while gradually repressurizing the distribution system.
“This is about making sure we maintain the resources and coordination necessary to see this response through to completion,” Bryan said. “The conditions that caused these disruptions have significantly improved, but we know some residents may continue to experience low pressure or intermittent service as WAPA rebuilds its water inventory and repressurizes the system. We are going to continue supporting the people of St. Croix until service is fully stabilized.”
The administration had previously deployed private water haulers to provide non-potable water to affected residents in Frederiksted and mobilised government personnel to assist with distribution.
The emergency order formally extends that multi-agency response.
The St. Croix Emergency Operations Center remains activated, with VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen serving as Territorial Coordinating Officer. Health Commissioner Justa “Tita” Encarnacion has been named incident commander, while the V.I. Department of Health is serving as the lead agency in coordination with VITEMA.
The Virgin Islands National Guard has also been authorised to continue supporting the response. Guard personnel have been working alongside the V.I. Police Department and other agencies on water-distribution operations and maintaining order at distribution sites.
Under the order, agencies under the governor’s authority are directed to provide personnel, equipment, supplies and other resources required for the emergency response. Agencies outside his direct authority are also being asked to assist where necessary.
The emergency declaration further gives officials flexibility to bypass standard competitive procurement procedures for goods and services specifically required for water distribution during the emergency.
The move is intended to help the government maintain access to necessary resources while WAPA continues efforts to stabilise water pressure and restore reliable service across St. Croix.