Paraquita Bay
Desalination Plant in the
British Virgin Islands
Overcoming Challenges, Delivering Results
Committed to Affordable, Reliable Drinking Water
Since 2015, Seven Seas Water Group has proudly owned and operated the Paraquita Bay desalination plant, supporting the Government of the Virgin Islands in providing high-quality drinking water to its residents. Utilizing advanced seawater and brackish water reverse osmosis technology, the facility on Tortola Island produces up to 2.3 million imperial gallons of water per day, serving a population of approximately 23,000. Since its inception, Seven Seas has invested several million dollars in significant upgrades to enhance the plant’s capabilities.
To learn more about the island’s water history and sustainability efforts, check out the case study below.
About Seven Seas Water Group
Seven Seas Water Group is a multinational developer, focused on owning and operating decentralized water and wastewater treatment plants and businesses
Seven Seas Water Group is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective water and wastewater treatment solutions through our Water-as-a-Service® approach. By forming long-lasting partnerships, we help address water management challenges with our engineering expertise, operational excellence, and financial resources, ensuring a sustainable future. We design, build, acquire, refurbish, and operate plants to achieve maximum efficiency, guaranteeing price, water quality, and quantity for our customers. Our extensive experience in the global water sector has allowed us to pioneer the Water-as-a-Service® model, which aligns our goals with those of our customers, setting us apart from traditional equipment sales, EPC, and outsourced O&M business models.
Learn more about Seven Seas.
Headquartered in Tampa and Houston, with operations across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America, Seven Seas operates over 200 water and wastewater treatment plants, serving governmental, municipal, industrial, and hospitality clients. For more than 20 years, our Water-as-a-Service® model has demonstrated superior capabilities in project execution, financing, risk management, and operations. In addition to constructing new plants, we actively acquire and improve existing facilities.
Water-as-a-Service® in BVI
Similar to other island economies, the Government of the Virgin Islands has faced significant challenges in upgrading public infrastructure and services to meet the demands of a growing population. In 2014, a 2.3 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) plant was commissioned to address water rate and supply issues for an estimated population of 23,000. Despite these efforts, high water rates continued, and the facility struggled to meet its design capacity. In 2015, Seven Seas Water Group acquired the plant and stepped in as the water supply provider to help operate the plant efficiently and allow for reductions in the water rate. In addition, Seven Seas is dedicated to helping GVI achieve its Sustainable Development Goals by providing safe and affordable drinking water to all areas and enhancing the island’s desalination capacity.
Learn more about this project.
Upon acquisition of the Paraquita Bay plant, Seven Seas initiated a comprehensive enhancement and upgrade project. Seven Seas meticulously reviewed every instrument, valve, and mechanical component of the plant as well as all operating conditions, safety systems, electrical systems, and control systems, to identify areas for the improvement of the plant’s long-term reliability and water production efficiency. Based on the findings, Seven Seas invested approximately $3 million into facility enhancements, and all upgrades were implemented with no disruption to the plant’s operations.
Since completing the initial upgrades in 2015, the Paraquita Bay facility has consistently demonstrated excellent availability and production metrics. Due to the design enhancements and redundancies introduced, Seven Seas has achieved an industry-leading availability of 98.7%, meaning the plant is offline for maintenance only 1.3% of the time. Additionally, these upgrades have ensured that the plant can meet its design capacity of 2.3 MIGD. Seven Seas remains committed to producing a constant reliable supply despite limited storage on the island and other distribution challenges.
Community Impact
Passionately committed to making a difference, we invest our time, resources, and unique skills in empowering individuals and strengthening communities. From education and youth development to environmental sustainability, we support those who are building a better future.
Rotary Club Presentation
The Seven Seas team in the BVI continues to foster community connection through outreach and education. Plant Manager Kevon Smith addressed the local Rotary Club, sharing insights into Seven Seas’ operations and our commitment to sustainable water solutions.
Adopt-a-School Recognition
Seven Seas was honored by the Minister of Education, Hon. Sharie B. DeCastro, for its Adopt-a-School commitment to the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. Plant Manager Kevon Smith accepted the plaque on behalf of the company, reinforcing our dedication to supporting local education.
Youth Empowerment Project (YEP)
The BVI team was recognized at the 20th Anniversary of the YEP for its ongoing sponsorship of the BVI's longest-running private youth center. The team received a Certificate of Appreciation and toured an Open House showcasing student projects.
2025 National Science Fair
Returning for a third year, Seven Seas was thrilled to introduce the Prize for Best Water Science Project—recognizing students tackling real-world water challenges with creativity and scientific insight. Congratulations to this year’s winners Zara Pascoe, Daria Donovan & Brielle Williams.
BVI Career Fair Sponsorship
Seven Seas sponsored the 2025 Career Fair, hosted by Elmore Stoutt High School and Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies. We were proud to share insights about our vital industry and inspire the next generation of water leaders.
BVI National Science Fair
In celebration of World Water Day, Seven Seas was proud to sponsor the British Virgin Islands National Science Fair, where students showcased their talents in various S.T.E.A.M. categories. The Seven Seas Prize for Water Science was awarded to Khymari Davis for his impressive exhibit on climate change and the water cycle. Supporting future generations is vital—not only because water is essential, but also because it allows us to give back to the community. We’re especially proud that one of our own Seven Seas employees is a past Science Fair winner.
BVI Charity Run
Seven Seas was a proud supporter of the Elton Georges Run/Walk, benefiting the British Virgin Islands Diabetes Association. Donations received allow for the purchase of testing equipment and supplies for the community.
Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies Visits Seven Seas
Seven Seas opened its doors to students in Grade 12 from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS). This exclusive tour helps students understand how water is produced for consumption and will hopefully spark interest in this critical industry. Seven Seas is fully invested in the success of the BVI community and its future.
M.A.L.E.
Seven Seas proudly supports Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (M.A.L.E.), a nonprofit guiding young boys to make better decisions, build self-esteem, and grow into strong leaders. We regularly welcome M.A.L.E. participants to tour our BVI desalination plant during its summer program.
YEP
Seven Seas is a proud, long-time supporter of the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), an after-school and summer program providing a safe space for kids while their parents complete their workdays. YEP keeps children supervised, engaged, and away from harmful activities during critical out-of-school hours.
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