Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed an emergency executive order Wednesday mandating immediate restrictions on outdoor water use across the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reservoir levels at Estate Bonne Esperance and Estate Susannaberg dropped to their lowest points in more than a decade.
The order, effective immediately, prohibits lawn watering, car washing, and pool filling on all three islands until further notice. Residents and businesses face fines of up to $500 for first violations and $2,500 for repeat offenses.
“We are in a serious situation that requires everyone to conserve,” Bryan said during a press conference at Government House. “Our aquifer levels are critically low, and with the dry season expected to continue through June, we cannot afford to wait.”
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority reported that total storage capacity across the territory fell below 40 percent last week, the lowest since 2014. Daily consumption has averaged 4.2 million gallons against a sustainable yield of 3.5 million gallons, creating a deficit that accelerates during peak tourist season.
Hotels and resorts have been asked to implement voluntary conservation measures, including reduced laundry cycles and guest notification programs. Several properties have already begun installing low-flow fixtures and gray water recycling systems in anticipation of potential mandatory commercial restrictions.
