Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is currently monitoring the prolonged dry season in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), with the aim of ensuring that the level of water within the aquifers remain at a standard level and can provide residents within these areas with adequate water supply.

The region is primarily served by a combination of hand and solar operated pumps fed by wells which are dug several feet into the aquifers.

According to GWI’s Scientific Services Manager, Savitri Jetoo, “During the dry season, aquifers take a longer time to replenish their water supply due to little or no rainfall. Hence, the level of the water in the aquifer tends to decrease during the prolonged dry season.”

Hinterland Manager of GWI, Mr. Akram Hussain, stated that they were closely monitoring all the aquifers which supply water to the residents of Region Nine, and while there is currently no reason for alarm, GWI remains vigilant in testing the level of water supplied by the aquifers.”

In addition to the current monitoring programme, GWI’s Hinterland Unit has developed a relief programme in the event of a water shortage. The Hinterland Manager emphasised that his teams in the Region have not noticed any indication of depletion, but should this occur, GWI, without delay, will execute its relief programme, part of which would involve drilling deeper wells in order to source more ground water.

Hussain further stated that work has started on implementing the relief plan to counteract any instances of water shortage. “We recently drilled new wells in the areas of Hiowa and Parishara, and will install pumps shortly – it is pivotal that we ensure that all measures are in place to source more ground water, should the aquifers indicate any decrease in normal water levels.”

He further stated that Bio- Sand filters will be implemented as short term relief, and would allow residents to use surface water resources such as creeks, lakes and streams in the absence of water supplied by underground aquifers.

Bio-Sand filters are household water treatment devices which remove harmful bacteria from raw water sources, such as creek water. This is an inexpensive method which can easily make water safe for consumption.
GWI urges all residents of Region Number Nine to avoid wastage, especially at this time, and to use water only for beneficial purposes.