Your top questions, answered in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions

Browse answers to the most common questions about water,
wastewater, billing, and services on Paradise Island.

Where does the water on Paradise Island come from?

Paradise Island Utilities provide potable water through 3 Reverse Osmosis Desalinization 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.

Why am I experiencing low water pressure?

Paradise Island Utilities 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. For those 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 between the customer meter and the desired internal source.

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

  • Private pressure boosting pumps are malfunctioning.

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

3. What is the smell occasionally coming from the eastern Utilities complex next to Ocean Club Estates?

With all of the sewage for Paradise Island coming to our wastewater complex, we are often inundated with Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) that not only interrupts our daily operations but results in a large increase in odors to emanate from the treatment facility. You would be aware, 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. Long term, another detrimental effect on the collection system is that sewer pumps might become clogged or have their lifespan shortened due to the 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

How is our Wastewater Treated?

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

What are PIUs plans for the expected growth of Paradise Island?

Over the last 2 years, PIU leadership has begun the master planning and design for a nearly complete 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.

Why does my water smell bad?

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, 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 system. Reference the following link for more information (HAVE A LINK TO PDF)