A Guide to Safe Drinking Water in the Virgin Islands
Don’t let health issues caused by unsafe drinking water in the Virgin Islands spoil your Caribbean vacation! While the water is treated in most situations you will encounter, it is important to be aware of the potential risks to Virgin Islands safety by drinking unclean water. Water quality can vary from one location to another, and at the same time, staying hydrated is essential on an island vacation. Check out our useful guide to make sure you always have access to safe drinking water in the Virgin Islands:
How safe is the drinking water in the US Virgin Islands?
The water supply systems of the USVI are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tap water is considered safe to consume in some, but not all, situations. Many homes in the USVI rely on cisterns that collect rainwater and may not always use filters or be cleaned regularly. Hotels and resorts usually have their own treatment systems, making their water safe to drink.
On St. Croix, however, tap water has a higher chance of being contaminated with lead and copper due to aging and corroding infrastructure. In October 2023, unsafe levels were detected, leading to the implementation of a “do not drink” advisory on the island. Thanks to ongoing efforts to address these issues, fewer areas are currently affected.
On Go Sail VI vacations, you’ll mainly be drinking water on the boat. All our boats are equipped with water makers and we bring bottled water aboard too so you never have to worry about the quality of your water!
How safe is the drinking water in the British Virgin Islands?
Similar to the USVI, most households in the BVI use tap water that comes from rainwater cisterns, which may not be safe to consume. Likewise, hotels and resorts usually have water treatment systems. There are no known heavy metal issues in the BVI’s water supply, as there are in St. Croix.
What are some practical tips to ensure you have safe drinking water in the Virgin Islands?
A few small precautions can minimize the risk of negative health outcomes from unclean water. First, always ask your accommodation if the water is treated or filtered. Also, avoid drinking cistern water, particularly after heavy rain, because there’s an increased risk of contamination from runoff. Tap water is generally considered safe for brushing your teeth, and ice is not a concern. However, when in doubt, bottled water is widely available in the VI and is always the safest option.
Because Virgin Islands safety is our top priority, all of Go Sail VI’s comfortable sailboats are equipped with a water maker so that you can rest assured that while you’re earning your certifications and exploring the islands on a liveaboard sailing course, you have safe drinking water in the Virgin Islands.