LABORATORY ACCREDITATION

Today, we are proud to announce that Provo Water Company, a part of HAB Group, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of achieving and maintaining ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation. This prestigious accreditation represents the highest standard for laboratory testing, specifically for water quality, and highlights our laboratory’s key achievements and contributions over the past decade.

ISO 17025 is a testament to HAB Group’s substantial financial investment and unwavering commitment to excellence. This gold standard for quality and competence in water testing ensures the highest caliber of our processes and results.

The celebration of this milestone was marked by a prestigious ceremony. Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Jason Stein, Vice President of the ANAB ANSI National Accreditation Board, and Candice Santa, President of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association, expressed congratulatory remarks. The event was attended by the presence of the Honorable Kyle Knowles, Minister for Utilities and Public Safety. Kenya Jones, the Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer, delivered the guest address, underscoring the critical relationship between Provo Water and the Environmental Health Department.

Since its establishment in 1997, Provo Water Laboratory has evolved from a modest setup conducting a few tests per day to a fully accredited facility. Guided by the leadership of Sherry Bell Parker, our Water Quality Manager, the lab earned its first accreditation from the Laboratory Accreditation Bureau (LAB) in 2014, becoming the pioneering lab in the Turks and Caicos Islands to reach this standard. Presently, only four other labs in the 25 countries of the Caribbean—Bahamas, Cayman, Trinidad, and TCI—have attained this accreditation, underscoring its rarity, complexity, and significance.

“An accredited laboratory inspires confidence,” commented Mrs. Bell-Parker. “The accreditation process can be daunting but ensures ongoing compliance with industry standards and continual improvement of operations. This level of accreditation confirms that the laboratory services provide seamless service to our customers and stakeholders. Our laboratory’s impact extends beyond Provo Water Company. We proudly assist various sectors, including government departments, hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, sister islands, cruise ships, private yachts, contractors, and more, ensuring the safety and quality of water across the Turks and Caicos Islands. We address customer complaints, provide advisory services, and conduct extensive testing on our water distribution system, underscoring our dedication to public health and safety,” added Mrs. Bell-Parker.

Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Reliable water supply systems support various industries, agriculture, and commerce, facilitating productivity and economic growth. Moreover, improved water quality reduces healthcare costs associated with treating water-related illnesses, freeing up resources for other developmental priorities. Access to safe water is essential for promoting economic development.

Provo Water Laboratory monitors thirty sampling locations throughout Providenciales’ distribution network. Testing also occurs at reservoirs and commissioning before connecting to a new main. This involves chlorinating and multiple tests to ensure stringent standards are met before integration into our existing pipeline system. Advancements in sensor technology and data analytics enable real-time water quality monitoring for proactive water infrastructure management, improving system reliability and efficiency.

Provo Water Laboratory has significantly contributed to the Turks and Caicos Islands as a whole, and we are committed to continuing this legacy of excellence, fostering innovation, and supporting our community for years to come.