Paradise Island Utilities provides potable water through 3 reverse osmosis desalination plants. All potable water production meets or exceeds EPA/WHO regulations.

For more information about our treatment and testing procedures please visit the Resources page.

PIU supplies a designed water pressure currently between 35-40psi, which is lower than typical pressures seen in the USA, Canada and the UK. Because of this, large residences or commercial customers, as well as customers with rooms at an elevated height often utilize pumps to increase the pressure for their internal needs.

• Private home valves sometimes are partially or completely turned off by accident. In a residential complex that shares private water lines, a plumber may have shut the water down to work on a neighbor’s property.

• Water leaks could be present between the customer meter and the desired internal source.

• Peak system demands such as a main water break or firefighting event may reduce pressure.

• Private pressure boosting pumps are malfunctioning.

• If a private cistern is used, a malfunctioning fill valve can cause the cistern to run empty.

The Paradise Island wastewater complex is often inundated with Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) that not only interrupts our daily operations but can results in a large increase in odors emanating from the treatment facility. When grease is poured down the drain, it solidifies and causes blockages in the pipes. The buildup of grease creates anaerobic pockets that convert sulfate salts into hydrogen sulfide gas, which causes “rotten egg” odors and sulfuric acid corrosion of sewer lines. In addition, the presence of grease in pipes reduces the flow capacity of pipes, causing slow draining of sinks and bathtubs, sewage backups, and potentially water source contamination. Sewer pumps can also become clogged or have their lifespan shortened due to this grease buildup.

For more information of the effects of FOG as well as best practices for the elimination of FOG please visit our Resources Page

PIU has two active Wastewater Treatment plants that meet or exceed Bahamian regulations, with 100% of the treated wastewater from the plants being reused for non-potable purposes across Paradise Island. All reused (greywater) goes through additional tertiary treatment prior to being distributed across Paradise Island.

Over the last 2 years, PIU leadership has begun the master planning and design for a full overhaul of the island’s water and sewer infrastructure over the next 20 years.

For more information, please refer to our master planning projects and updates page.

If your residence utilizes a cistern, it could likely need cleaning and disinfection. The smell could be due to hydrogen sulfide or sulfur bacteria in the water heater, water softener, or water distribution system. If the water has not been turned on recently, try running both hot and cold water for a few minutes to flush the system. Reference the following link for more information.

You can email [email protected] or see our Billing and Payments Tab for more information.

Please email [email protected] or call 242.363.2000, ext 65481.

Every meter used by PIU has a leak detection indicator that spins when water is moving through the meter. Shut off all faucets and waterspouts and see if the meter is moving.

• If it is moving, check your toilets as they may be leaking slowly and silently. Put a small amount of food coloring in the toilet tank and check later in the toilet bowl for a color change.

• If the leak indicator is not spinning, causes of high usage may be situations such as an intermittent running toilet, repeated pool filling or leaks, or increased usage due to occupancy in the residence or business.

• Other causes may be an overflowing cistern or unground or hidden leaks.

• We recommend regular reading or documentation of your water meters to look for increased usage. PIU generally only checks your meter once a month during your water meter reading.

If you notice any issues with your water quality, please call 242.363.2000, ext 65481.  We will investigate and address the issue promptly.

On your property, the following can be a cause:

• Clogged Pipes: Accumulation of grease, hair, soap, and food debris, rags or cleaning wipes can block pipes, restricting the flow of wastewater from the property to the PIU Service Main.

• Tree Root Intrusion: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints, eventually causing blockages.

• Damaged Sewer Pipes: Pipes can crack, collapse, or become misaligned due to age, ground movement, or construction activities.

• Flushing Inappropriate Items: Items like baby wipes, paper towels, and personal care products can create stubborn clogs, and should never be flushed down toilets or drains.

• Sewer Line Bellies: A sag in the sewer line, known as a belly, can cause waste to accumulate and eventually block the flow.

If there is a suspected issue with the PIU system, please call 242-363-2000, ext. 65481. Issues with PIU infrastructure could also be affecting neighboring properties.

Types of water meters

• PIU uses positive displacement meters for all residential meters up to 1 inch. These meters have a chamber with a piston or disc that moves as water flows through. Each movement displaces a specific volume of water, which is recorded on the meter's dial.

• PIU uses turbine velocity meters for larger meters 2 inches and above. These meters measure the speed of water flow. The flow rate is converted into volume, which is displayed on the meter.

Reading your meter

• Dial Display: Mechanical meters typically have a series of dials or an odometer-style display that shows the total volume of water used in gallons.

• Digital Display: Some larger meters may have a digital display that provides readings and additional information such as flow rate and leak detection alerts.

• All PIU water meters have a leak detection dial which spins when any flow is being registered by the meter.

Monitoring and maintenance

• Regular Checks: It's a good idea to check your water meter regularly to monitor usage and detect any unusual spikes that might indicate a leak.

• Leak Detection: check your meter’s leak detection dial when no water should be running. This could indicate an unknown leak.

• Deteriorating Pipes or Plumbing: If your pipes are old or made of materials like iron or galvanized steel, they might be deteriorating, causing black specks to appear in your water.

• Water Heater Issues: Sediment buildup in your water heater can dislodge and flow through your plumbing, leading to black specks.

• Corroded Plumbing Fixtures: Corroded fixtures or faucets can release black specks into the water as they deteriorate.

• Rubber Components: Deteriorating rubber washers, gaskets in your plumbing system or a deteriorating hot water heater expansion tank can break down and cause black specks.

• PIU Supply Issues: Sometimes, disturbances or maintenance work to the PIU water supply system can cause sediment or debris to enter the distribution pipes. If you feel this is the case, please contact us immediately.

• Water Quality: Over time, minerals and sediments can accumulate in the water mains. Flushing hydrants helps to remove these deposits, ensuring the water remains clear and tastes good.

• System Pressure: Regular flushing ensures consistent water pressure throughout the distribution system.

• Hydrant Maintenance: Flushing verifies that hydrants are in good working condition, ensuring they are ready for emergencies like fires.

While it might seem like a waste of water, this process is crucial for maintaining the overall health and efficiency of the water distribution system. If you notice any discoloration in your water after hydrant flushing, it should clear up quickly after running your tap for a few minutes. If the issue persists, please contact us immediately at 242-363-2000, ext. 65481.