US Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

The US Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, also known as VIWAPA, provides essential water and electric utility services to the residents, businesses, and government facilities across the United States Virgin Islands. Its responsibilities include the production, treatment, and distribution of potable water as well as the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power throughout the territory. The authority operates water treatment plants, wells, storage facilities, and a network of pipelines to ensure reliable water supply. For electricity, VIWAPA manages power plants, substations, and distribution lines that deliver energy to homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial establishments. By maintaining these critical infrastructures, the organization supports daily life and economic activity in the islands.

VIWAPA functions as a public utility authority under the governance of the US Virgin Islands government, reflecting its role as a key provider of regulated essential services. Its headquarters are situated in the United States of America, underscoring its connection to the broader national framework while serving a specific territorial jurisdiction. The organization’s recent experiences with cyber incidents, such as the 2019 Click2Gov payment portal breach and a business email compromise that resulted in an unauthorized fund transfer, highlight the importance it places on safeguarding its operational technology and information systems. These events have prompted VIWAPA to collaborate with federal agencies like the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security to improve cybersecurity awareness and monitoring. As a result, the authority continues to focus on strengthening the resilience of its water and power delivery networks against evolving threats.