On Statia, it’s always about water. Not politics, not sports — water. Have water? You sleep well. No water? Bucket showers it is.

Surrounded by ocean, you’d think thirst would be impossible. Yet life here is all about finding, saving and managing water.

A large part of households is now connected to the water system. The rest still follow the old rules: barrels by the house, jerrycans in the truck bed and one eye on the sky.

No rivers, no lakes, no springs. Just rainwater, a desalination plant… and plenty of island creativity. Everyone has their stash: gutters, tanks, clever collection systems — or simply a pickup parked under the next tropical downpour. Car wash? Free. Showers too.

On dry days, water pressure collapses faster than a pudding. Showers turn to drips, toilets need timing, and if you’re unlucky, you visit the neighbour’s tank or wait for the water truck — if it shows up.

No stress though. On Statia, you know: no rain today? Maybe tomorrow. Or next week. Worst case: the sea’s right there. Just… desalinate.

Island logic: water everywhere, never guaranteed.