APUA Nears Completion of Major Upgrades at Barnacle Point RO Plant

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is moving steadily toward a major milestone in its national water-supply overhaul, with final testing now underway at the new Seven Seas Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plant at Barnacle Point.

The project—one of APUA’s largest infrastructure investments in recent years—includes the installation of upgraded mainlines, new buildings to house the RO system, and preparations for expanded storage capacity. Once commissioned, the facility will add two million imperial gallons of potable water per day to the national grid.

Earlier this year, under a purchase agreement with the Seven Seas Water Group, the company commissioned a one-million-gallon RO plant at Ffryes Beach. The Barnacle Point installation is the second phase of that arrangement, bringing the combined output to three million gallons daily and significantly advancing APUA’s long-term plan for a more reliable, resilient water system.

To date, APUA has invested approximately EC$9 million in the initiative. Nearly eight miles of high-density polyethylene mainlines have already been installed, and the Authority has begun preparing sites for new storage tanks in the New Winthorpes and Wink Eye Hill communities.

A walkthrough of the Barnacle Point upgrade took place on Friday, 14 November 2025, with Minister of Public Utilities Hon. Melford Nicholas, APUA CEO John Bradshaw, Acting Water Business Unit Manager Jason Peters, members of APUA’s technical team, and representatives of the Seven Seas Water Group. During the visit, officials observed the successful production of potable water as part of the ongoing testing process.

The plant is expected to be fully commissioned by mid-next week, marking a significant boost to national water production and improved stability for households and businesses across Antigua and Barbuda.

APUA has extended its gratitude to its staff, its partners at Seven Seas, and the public for their continued support, reaffirming its commitment to delivering stronger infrastructure, enhanced service, and long-term water security for the nation.