Pat--that is correct, that the water systems on each side of the island are totally separate However, I believe the water on the French side is also desalinated water?? On our recent trip, we did not drink any water from the tap, as was recommended by our villa rental agency. This is the standard recommendation for this villa, nothing to do with the current water situation. This was not a big deal for me, as I drink almost exclusively bottled water at home. Although at home we use tap water for coffee and we did not, on SXM at the villa. We got 6 two liter bottles of water at Super U for something like 4 E. In the scheme of things, an expense of no consequence, for tourists, at any rate. Much better to be safe than become sick.