Imagine your tropical vacation in St. Croix, where the sun-kissed beaches beckon and the crystal-clear waters invite you to dive in. But what happens when the very essence of the island, its water, becomes a scarce commodity? This is the story of a group's encounter with the island's water scarcity, a reminder that even in paradise, natural resources are finite.
Bob and Sandy, along with their friends and family, were soaking up the sun by the pool, blissfully unaware of the impending water shortage. Bob's enthusiastic pool jumps were the least of their worries until they were faced with the stark reality: the cistern was running dry. With only a hundred gallons left, the group was cautioned against flushing toilets, a stark reminder of the preciousness of water.
St. Croix, a semi-arid island within the Virgin Islands, receives an average of forty inches of rainfall annually, but loses a staggering 90% to evaporation and transpiration, according to the Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Institute. The island's residents and visitors are often left to rely on cisterns and rain catchment systems to meet their water needs.
The author recounts their first Caribbean wedding experience, which was marred by the water shortage. The group, which included the author, their daughter, and other family members, stayed at the Coral Bay Reef Resort, while the rest of the party rented a house complete with a pool. The picturesque setting was overshadowed by the water crisis, which became apparent when they visited the rental house for breakfast.
The house, with its contemporary decor and inviting ambiance, was a stark contrast to the empty cistern and half-full pool. The caretakers, who lived in the lower apartment, were instrumental in managing the situation, ensuring the group didn't run dry.
St. Croix's population of 50,000 depends on groundwater and desalination for potable water. The island's daily water demand is approximately 3.2 million gallons, with production around 4.2 million gallons, supplemented by another half a million from groundwater. The island boasts a storage capacity of twenty-three million gallons, which is crucial given the scarcity of rainfall.
The entire Virgin Island Territory requires 5.5 million gallons of water daily, with desalination plants supplying about 75% of this demand. A study by the Virgin Islands Water Resources Research Center highlighted the high cost of desalination, at least $15 per thousand gallons. However, the implementation of low-flush toilets has proven to reduce costs and save significant amounts of water annually.
Residents and resorts typically pay around three cents per gallon for water, excluding delivery charges and emergency service fees. Water suppliers generally require a week's notice for delivery, with surcharges for shorter notice periods. Some resorts need water deliveries multiple times a day, depending on demand.
An article by Peter Weber in the November - December 1991 issue of World Watch pointed out that only a small elite globally have access to desalinated water. There are approximately 7,500 desalination plants worldwide, producing less than 0.1% of the world's water use.
The author shares their experience of joining the "elite" by visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting the affordability of airfare and accommodation. They also note the upcoming requirement for passports by 2008, advising travelers to prepare accordingly.
For those planning a trip to St. Croix, it's essential to schedule water deliveries in advance to avoid shortages, especially if you plan to enjoy the pool frequently. The author's experience serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation, even in a tropical paradise.
For more information on the U.S. Virgin Islands and to view live webcams, visit GoToStCroix.com. Additional details can be found at the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.
Contact information for the Water Resources Research Institute at the University of the Virgin Islands and other relevant organizations is available for those seeking further insights into the water situation on the island.
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