Whether you can drink tap water in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) depends heavily on the specific island and the source of the water. On St. Thomas and St. John, the public water supplied by the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) is technically treated to EPA standards and is safe for showering and brushing teeth, though many residents find the taste "brackish" or metallic due to desalination. However, many homes and villas rely on cisterns (underground tanks that collect rainwater). This water is not safe to drink unless it has been filtered through a high-quality UV or carbon filtration system, as it can contain bacteria from the roof. On St. Croix, there have been recent (2023-2025) concerns regarding lead and copper levels in some older pipes in the WAPA distribution system. As of 2026, the EPA continues to monitor the situation, and travelers are generally advised to drink bottled or filtered water to be safe. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water or have dedicated filtration systems for their guests, but it is always best to ask your host about the specific water source at your location.