Water has always been a valuable resource that has been taken for granted far too often. In recent years, drought monitoring and water conservation in the US Virgin Islands has been a priority. Two category five hurricanes in 2017 forced citizens to conserve their resources. Post hurricane, many were left without water, food, electricity, or a safe place to stay. Most residents draw water from cisterns that are filled with rainwater that was collect off of the rooftops while others depend on other groundwater sources. With all of the runoff, dirt, and bacteria thrown around, the hurricanes contaminated these water sources and made them unsafe to drink or use, which meant that cistern health became an immediate priority.  The Water Ambassador Quality program, funded by both USDA NIFA and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), provided more than 200 homes with water testing services and set up outreach and education services to advocate for water quality testing: A previous pilot was done with EPA, Region 2 through the equipment loaner program which set the path of this larger project. All of that data is currently being used for mapping models which will help researchers direct the focus of upcoming projects and proposals as they look to further address the needs of communities in the US Virgin Islands. Post hurricanes through these Citizen Science Initiatives, more than 500 participants were engaged in nine focus groups that were open to the public and mapping was a big part of the dialogue. Focus groups were representatives of the community at large and included religious communities such as such as synagogues, churches, and mosques and public and private schools as well as rotary club meetings were also used as areas for focus groups. During those focus groups, 54 youth and teachers were trained in water testing to serve their respective communities. Focus groups also addressed other issues, such as waterborne diseases and mental health. Officials were included to discuss healthcare and diseases that correlated with food and water safety. Medical facilities were condemned so researchers encouraged families to follow procedures and health safety measures to prevent illness. A map of microbial matter was developed of the water sampling to prevent the spread of disease. Tips offered reminded residents to clean cisterns and remove standing water that attract mosquitos and pests.

Cistern health post hurricanes Irma and Maria in the US Virgins Islands

2019 Fall National Meeting

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