As part of the overall enhancement of its environmental data collecting capabilities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has installed a water quality monitoring system at Bartica, Region Seven.
In a release on Tuesday, the EPA announced that in mid-May, it had successfully deployed a second Real Time Water Quality Monitoring System (RTWQMS), at Bartica, on the Esse-quibo River. It explained that this cutting-edge technology is capable of measuring a range of water quality parameters and transmitting readings in real-time to a computer at the EPA for storage and analysis. Data collected by the monitoring system can also be visualized through web-based platforms/applications and be viewed and analyzed by the public in the real-time.
The EPA pointed out that good water quality is critical to the health of aquatic ecosystems, as well as the people who depend on the services they provide. It noted that Guyana’s vast rivers, numerous tributaries, and creeks, are an integral part of the economy and culture. However, increasing human activities including those of an industrial (and mining) nature occurring along and close to rivers are causing concerns about water pollution and environmental degradation.
Recognising that it is the agency empowered to take effective measures to control pollution, the EPA acknowledged the importance of having quick and reliable data on water quality to detect any water pollution. The Water Quality Monitoring System, it explained, provides such data to the EPA in real-time, allowing for quick detection of pollution sources, timely responses to prevent and mitigate pollution, and the halting of poor practices.
According to the release, the EPA places great value on community participation and as such, has actively collaborated with the Bartica Township, residents of Saxacalli, and government agencies, for the successful deployment of the Water Quality Monitoring System in the Essequibo River.
It further informed that the agency deployed its first RTWQMS in the lower Demerara River in August, 2023. This and the one deployed in Bartica were both purchased with $100 million allocation by Government to the EPA in as part of its 2023 Budget.
The EPA assured of its intention to continue to boost its capability to collect environmental data through cutting-edge technology for scientific and data-driven decision-making regarding the impacts of development, and appropriate measures to mitigate pollution, and protect and conserve the environment, the release added.
