The primary role of the Production Treatment & Quality (PTQ) Department is to ensure the effective abstraction, pumping, and treatment of surface water across all designated treatment facilities, to provide a consistent supply of safe, high-quality potable water.

The water quality team is responsible for carrying out routine water quality monitoring and testing activities across the island to ensure compliance with regulatory and health standards. Daily testing for key parameters such as turbidity, chlorine residual, and pH is conducted at designated sampling points. Collected samples are transported to the laboratory, where comprehensive bacteriological and chemical analyses are performed.

The Department plays a critical role in ensuring that water supplied to customers meets the required quality standards. In instances where water quality falls below the acceptable thresholds established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), corrective measures such as flushing of the distribution system are undertaken until compliance is achieved. Disinfection of the distribution network is also performed as necessary. In response to water quality complaints from the public, targeted investigations are carried out, which include site inspections, sample collection, and laboratory testing.

PTQ also oversees the procurement, maintenance, and operation of chlorination equipment essential for disinfection processes. Additionally, inspections and water quality testing are conducted on water trucks to ensure safe distribution practices. The unit offers private water testing services to the public and is responsible for the generation of technical reports that inform internal decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Staff complement within the department includes eighty (80) specialised personnel working within three (3) subdivisions spread throughout the northern and southern offices:

• Senior Laboratory Technologist

• Senior Abstraction & Conveyance Technician

• Senior Production Treatment & Quality Officer

• Senior Technician (PTQ South)

• Senior Water Technicians

• Laboratory Technologist

• Sampling Officers

• Water intake Supervisor

• Water intake Caretakers

• Drivers

Sub-Divisions include:

Abstraction - The Pump Operator is responsible for the efficient operation and routine maintenance of pumps, valves, and related equipment within the water supply system to ensure the uninterrupted and reliable delivery of potable water. This role entails closely monitoring water flow, pressure levels, and overall system performance, as well as conducting regular inspections and performing minor repairs to maintain optimal functionality and prevent service disruptions.

Production & Treatment - The Water Technician/Plant Operator within the Production, Treatment, and Quality Section is responsible for the efficient operation of the treatment plant, including the maintenance and repair of all associated equipment. This role ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality potable water in reliable quantities, in full compliance with established corporate standards.

Quality - The Laboratory Technician within the Production, Testing, and Quality Services Section is responsible for performing routine chemical and bacteriological analyses on water samples, as well as investigating any water quality issues to ensure full compliance with established quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role requires close collaboration with the production team to continuously monitor and safeguard water quality throughout the treatment and distribution process.