BVI has a water crisis, Premier admits

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has acknowledged that the British Virgin Islands is grappling with a severe water crisis, citing ageing infrastructure and financial constraints as major obstacles.

Speaking on a local radio show, the Premier admitted that the situation requires urgent action. “I agree that the water situation is an emergency and demands immediate attention,” he stated. “That’s why we secured funding to begin improving the water system as part of the loan we obtained.”

Wheatley pointed to frequent pipeline failures as a key issue. “The water infrastructure in the Virgin Islands has been deteriorating for years. We have enough water production to provide 24-hour supply across the territory, but the problem lies in our distribution network,” he explained.

Aging and leaky infrastructure 

The Ministry of Communications and Works is working to address the crisis, but Wheatley noted that both the pipelines and reservoirs need urgent repairs. “Our distribution network is old and leaky… even our reservoirs need improvements. We are actively working to repair and upgrade them.”

Minister of Communications and Works Kye Rymer previously disclosed that a complete overhaul of the water system—including replacing pipes, upgrading equipment, and installing meters to increase revenue—would require an estimated $20 million.

Despite financial challenges, Wheatley assured the public that his administration is committed to long-term solutions. “We are taking steps to build new reservoirs at high elevations, such as in Sage Mountain, to improve water distribution by allowing gravity-fed supply rather than relying on pumps,” he said.

Ongoing maintenance efforts

Residents and businesses continue to suffer from frequent water shortages, with some areas experiencing prolonged outages. The Premier highlighted ongoing maintenance efforts, including leak detection and the installation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. “These pipes are highly durable, resistant to leaks, and support better pressure management to prevent burst pipes,” he explained.

While acknowledging the frustration caused by the crisis, Wheatley asked for patience. “This problem didn’t develop overnight. It’s the result of years of underinvestment in our distribution network. Fixing it is costly and time-consuming, but we are taking the necessary steps. We apologise for the delays, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we work towards a long-term solution.”