The Tribune

FREEPORT – A $220,000 emergency water purification plant built by Rotarians and the TK Foundation following the devastating hurricanes of 2004 was activated in advance of Hurricane Sandy.

When hurricanes Frances and Jeanne ripped through Grand Bahama eight years ago, storm surges contaminated the underground aquifers and left thousands without adequate fresh water. An emergency water plant on Grand Bahamian Way was commissioned in early 2011 to alleviate such problems.

The reverse osmosis facility draws from a salt water well and is powered by its own generator, which is maintained by GB Power Company.

The plant can produce more than 6,000 gallons of potable water a day. Work on the water plant involved Rotary Districts 5280 (Los Angeles, California), 7020 (Nassau and the Caribbean), and 6990 (Grand Bahama and South Florida),

Before and after the passage of Hurricane Sandy, Rotary volunteers produced and distributed some 7,000 gallons of potable water to residents in need.

ZNS’ northern service radio broadcast announcements about the water plant throughout the station’s continuous storm coverage.

In addition, two tank trailers, holding 275 gallons each, were taken to East Grand Bahama by Rotarian Peter Turnquest in the aftermath of the storm.

The Grand Bahama Fire Brigade also made two trips with 55-gallon drums of water to flush toilets at senior citizen homes on the island.

“The emergency water plant has proven its usefulness as a wise investment for the communities of Grand Bahama,” said Rotary Foundation representative Lindsay Cancino, who helped spearhead the project.

The emergency water purification plant on Grand Bahama was envisioned by the TK Foundation (a creation of Teekay Shipping) which enlisted Rotary as a working partner to implement the project.