Sargassum seaweed at Road Harbour, Tortola. The Environmental Health Division has said there are associated dangers of heavy accumulations of sargassum seaweed and its impact on the Territory’s water systems. Photo: VINO

The Environmental Health Division is advising the public of the associated dangers of the heavy accumulations of sargassum seaweed and its impact on the Territory’s water systems. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

Sargassum is a type of free-floating brown algae that forms large, floating mats in the world's oceans, particularly in tropical and temperate waters. Photo: Facebook

In the notice on Thursday, August 28, 2025, the division said there are associated dangers of heavy accumulations of sargassum seaweed and its impact on the Territory’s water systems.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms Henrietta Alexander explained when large amounts of sargassum decompose, they release substances that may affect the taste and smell of pipe-borne water, damage water pipes and treatment plants and increase the risk of bacterial growth in the water supply.

Follow these safety measures

The division has advised the public to not drink if pipe water has an unfamiliar smell, taste or colour and use bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth if there are changes in water quality.

They should also ensure cistern water is properly disinfected and filtered before household use. The public is reminded that cisterns should be cleaned biannually or annually and chlorinated routinely, especially after consistent rainfall, to reduce the risk of contamination.

They should also report any concerns with water quality to the Water and Sewerage Department or Environmental Health Division.

What is sargassum?

The division explained that sargassum is a type of free-floating brown algae that forms large, floating mats in the world's oceans, particularly in tropical and temperate waters.

Unlike most seaweeds that attach to the seafloor, Sargassum remains buoyant due to its gas-filled bubbles. Sargassum also serves as a vital habitat, food source, and nursery for a diverse array of marine life, including turtles, fish, crabs, and birds.

The division is continuing to monitor the Sargassum situation closely and has assured that it will provide further updates as necessary.