Image: Nicolas Loyola-Otero, WAPA Mechanical Engineer I, explains how the Pythagorean cup works before students participate in the Greedy Cup Game, a hands-on STEM activity illustrating water conservation principles.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (May 9, 2026) – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or the “Authority”) continued its Drinking Water Week (May 3–9) celebrations yesterday with educational outreach on St. Thomas centered on the importance of water conservation and responsible water use.
As part of the week’s territory-wide educational initiative, WAPA visited Joseph A. Gomez Elementary School and Ulla F. Muller Elementary School to connect directly with students and reinforce the value of protecting the territory’s drinking water supply.
The presentation featured a STEM-focused, hands-on learning activity called the Greedy Cup Game. Using a Pythagorean cup, students took turns adding stones while trying to avoid triggering an overflow and loss of water, illustrating how small actions can collectively impact water use and conservation.
Beyond the fun and competition, the activity reinforced practical conservation habits such as turning off faucets when not in use, taking shorter showers, and avoiding unnecessary water waste. Students were reminded that protecting clean water is a shared responsibility and that small changes in daily habits can make a meaningful difference.
WAPA’s Drinking Water Week outreach emphasized water conservation education across the territory through experiential learning, helping to foster water stewardship among the next generation.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.