The government has announced it will be taking firm action against water customers with unauthorised connections, as part of wider plans to tackle irregularities in water consumption and billing across the territory.
The announcement comes as the Virgin Islands continues to face widespread water challenges that officials have admitted have reached crisis proportions, with residents across Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and other islands enduring frequent outages, low pressure, and costly reliance on water delivery.
In a statement, the Ministry of Communications and Works said it is aware of many residents with unauthorised connections and has invited them to visit the Water and Sewerage Department to regularise their accounts.
The ministry described such practices as “unlawful, unsustainable, and [placing] an unfair burden on law-abiding citizens.”
A 30-day grace period is being offered for customers to correct their accounts without penalty. After that, the government warned it will take legal action and enforce compliance “without further notice.”
The warning follows months of public frustration over the water crisis in the community. Earlier this summer, mechanical failures at the Seven Seas desalination plant, leaks in ageing pipelines, and insufficient production left many households and businesses without water for weeks.
In July, frustrated residents in Road Town and East End/Long Look staged protests demanding urgent government action. As the crisis drags on, officials are appealing to residents to do their part.
“The government urges all citizens to act responsibly, protect this precious resource, and ensure that water is managed sustainably for the benefit of all,” the ministry said.
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