The V.I. Waste Management Authority says ongoing underground sewer line failures across the territory are being driven by pipelines that are well beyond their service life, causing sudden collapses and blockages in multiple areas at once.
In an updated public notice issued June 6, VIWMA acknowledged the disruption, frustration and health concerns being experienced by residents and businesses as crews continue responding to sewer system failures.
“Our pipelines are way past the end of their service life, leading to sudden collapses and blockages in multiple areas at once,” the authority said. “While these challenges have developed over decades, we understand that their impact is being felt right now, in real time, by families and businesses.”
VIWMA said addressing the conditions remains one of its top priorities, and that crews will remain on the ground until stability is restored.
As part of the ongoing response, VIWMA teams are conducting repairs at the Cancryn Pump Station on St. Thomas and the Power Boyd Pump Station on St. John. The authority said those efforts, combined with limited resources, continue to place additional pressure on its operations.
Crews remain deployed daily, with priority given to the most urgent and high-risk situations, especially those affecting public health, safety and heavily populated neighborhoods.
“With multiple issues occurring simultaneously, we must continue taking a strategic, prioritized approach to ensure that the areas of greatest need receive immediate attention,” VIWMA said.
The authority said long-term solutions are also moving forward. Contracts are already in place for a comprehensive, territory-wide replacement of aging sewer infrastructure, with that work expected to begin in the coming months.
VIWMA described the planned replacement as a major investment and a permanent, forward-looking solution to the same problems now being addressed through emergency and priority repairs.
“To everyone who has been affected: we hear you, we understand the hardship these conditions continue to cause, and we remain fully committed to restoring normalcy as quickly as possible,” the authority said. “Your patience and resilience during this challenging period are deeply appreciated, and your partnership continues to guide our work as we stabilize the system and build a more reliable future for the Virgin Islands.”
VIWMA said it remains committed to protecting public health, safeguarding the environment and improving the quality of life for residents across the territory.
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting active sewer issues so they can be logged, tracked and addressed. Reports may be made by calling 340-715-9100 on St. Thomas or 340-712-4962 on St. Croix. Residents may also email [email protected] or [email protected].
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