Antigua and Barbuda has taken another step toward strengthening its potable water supply with the opening of the Barnacle Point seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) desalination plant. The facility was developed through a partnership between the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and Seven Seas Water Group (SSWG), a multinational provider of Water-as-a-Service® (WaaS®) solutions.
With a production capacity of 2 million imperial gallons per day (IMGD), the Barnacle Point plant will supply communities along Antigua’s northwestern corridor, an area experiencing sustained growth in demand. The facility is located alongside APUA’s existing Ivan Rodrigues desalination plant, allowing the new installation to make use of established infrastructure and to integrate efficiently into the national water network.
Barnacle Point is the second SWRO plant delivered under the WaaS® agreement signed by APUA and SSWG in March 2024. Together with the Ffryes Beach desalination plant, which was commissioned earlier in 2025, the two facilities are expected to provide up to 3 IMGD of reliable, high-quality drinking water. Water production at Barnacle Point commenced in November 2025.
Highlighting the project’s broader importance, the Honourable Melford Nicholas, Minister of Information, Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities, and Energy, said: “This facility plays a critical role in strengthening water supply for one of Antigua’s most vital service areas. It also reflects the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering commitment to addressing longstanding water challenges and improving reliability for our citizens. The successful delivery of this plant demonstrates APUA’s dedication to building infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and future-focused. It stands as a clear example of what can be achieved through purposeful collaboration and shared resolve.”
APUA CEO John Bradshaw noted that the project enhances both capacity and operational flexibility. “The commissioning of the Barnacle Point desalination plant represents a significant step forward in strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s water security,” he said, adding that the project also supports the development of local technical expertise.
From the private sector perspective, SSWG CEO Henry Charrabé emphasized the value of collaboration, stating: “We are proud to support APUA and to serve the people of Antigua through this important project.”
