VIWMA ISSUES ADVISORY UPDATE FOR MAJOR WASTEWATER OVERFLOW AFFECTING DOWNTOWN CHRISTIANSTED AND LBJ/CONDO ROW
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) — The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises the community that due to the collapse of the force main that transfers all sewage from the LBJ Pump Station to the Fig Tree Pump Station—and ultimately to the Harold G. Thompson, Jr. Wastewater Treatment Plant—a significant sanitary sewer overflow began at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The LBJ Pump Station services the entire Christiansted area, and the force main is the sole pathway for conveying sewage out of downtown Christiansted and through the wastewater system. With the force main out of service, there is no alternative method to move sewage from LBJ to Fig Tree, resulting in a critical wastewater overflow impacting the core of downtown Christiansted. This infrastructure failure has placed severe strain on the system and has prompted urgent response efforts to stabilize conditions and mitigate impacts on the downtown area.
As part of this temporary response, wastewater conditions at the LBJ Pump Station have affected the LBJ/Condo Row coastline. These impacts result from the sanitary sewer overflow and the compromised force main—not from any intentional bypass into the ocean.
Service at the LBJ Pump Station is expected to be restored by the end of this weekend. VIWMA crews are working diligently toward restoration while continuing to address wastewater conditions affecting the downtown Christiansted area.
Residents, businesses, liveaboard residents, boaters, and others in and around the affected coastal area are urged to exercise caution. Water in the affected area may be contaminated by the sanitary sewer overflow, and exposure to untreated wastewater may pose health risks.
Until further notice, the public is strongly advised to:
· Avoid swimming in the affected waters.
· Avoid fishing in the affected area.
· Keep pets away from the affected water and do not allow them to enter or drink from it.
· Do not allow children to play in or near affected water.
· Do not drink or otherwise consume water from the affected area.
· Avoid direct contact with wastewater or potentially contaminated coastal water.
These precautions should remain in place for the duration of the overflow event and until the community is advised that conditions have improved. The public is also advised to adhere to all posted signs, barricades, and directives issued by VIWMA.
VIWMA crews are working diligently to address wastewater conditions, minimize impacts to the surrounding communities and coastal environment, and rectify the situation as quickly and safely as possible. The affected areas are being monitored, and VIWMA will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
VIWMA sincerely apologizes to residents, businesses, liveaboard residents, and the broader Christiansted community for the inconvenience and concern this situation has caused. We recognize the impact these conditions may have on those who live, work, and play in the affected areas, and we appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as our teams work toward a resolution.
For more information, feel free to email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call 340‑715‑9100 for St. Thomas or 340‑712‑4962 for St. Croix. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.
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08-28-2026