Biwater starts operations at new desalination facility in British Virgin Islands

UK-based water and wastewater company Biwater has commenced operation at its new seawater desalination plant on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring 24-hour potable water supply in the island.

The facility uses reverse osmosis technology for desalination and has a daily capacity to supply 10,400m³ of drinking water.

The Government of the Virgin Islands had signed a water purchase agreement and build own operate transfer (BOOT) contract with Biwater, under which the firm will continue to offer operation and maintenance services for the facility for 16 years.

Commissioning and acceptance testing for the plant had been completed earlier.

The firm received $43m funding for the project from Barclays in 2013, which was guaranteed by the UK’s Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD).

Located on Sabbath Hill, which is one of the highest points on Tortola, the facility eases water supply from the storage tanks via the extensive distribution system supported by the project.

Under the project, the firm has conducted a thorough upgrade to the existing 500,000-gallon storage tank and built a new tank of similar size, thereby doubling water storage capacity for the island nation. It also extended distribution facilities to areas across the island, which previously lacked permanent piped supply.

Biwater International director for the Americas Richard Smith said: "The completion of this new seawater desalination plant is a key milestone for the British Virgin Islands, as it will greatly benefit the local community for generations to come by providing a reliable supply of drinking water year-round."

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Image: Reverse osmosis hall at Biwater’s desalination facility in British Virgin Islands. Photo: courtesy of Biwater.