GWI rejects report of unsafe drinking water in Regions 4, 7, and 10

See full statement from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI):

The Guyana Water Inc takes note of an article published in the June 28, 2026 edition of the Kaieteur Newspapers, under the headline: “Unsafe drinking water flagged in Regions 4, 7 and 10, PUC report finds”.

The headline and presentation of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) findings are misleading and create unnecessary public concerns by suggesting that consumers are being supplied with water that is unsafe for consumption, which is not the case.

The PUC report references water treatment facilities at Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc, McKenzie, Linden Power Company (LPC), Grove, Friendship, Better Hope, Sparendaam and Bartica, citing instances where parameters such as pH, turbidity and iron concentrations fell outside recommended operational ranges, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. However, it is important to distinguish between operational and aesthetic water quality parameters and those which may present a direct public health risk.

The issues highlighted in the report relating to iron, pH (acidity or alkalinity) and turbidity (haziness) do not represent evidence that the water supplied to customers is unsafe to drink. Rather, these parameters primarily affect the appearance, taste, colour or operational efficiency of treatment systems and distribution networks. Importantly, the water quality parameters that are directly linked to public health were not identified by the PUC as being non-compliant. It is therefore misleading to characterise these findings as proof of “unsafe drinking water.”

GWI, however, recognises the areas requiring improvement. In fact, many of the treatment plants referenced in the report were already undergoing upgrades during the reporting period in 2025, through the Coastal Water Treatment Infrastructure Programme. These interventions included the installation of new filtration systems, process optimisation, and other infrastructure improvements specifically designed to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with applicable standards.

These investments form part of GWI’s ongoing modernisation programme aimed at continuously improving service delivery across the country.

With reference to the metering target outlined in Order No. 2 of 2018, it is important to emphasise that from 2022-2024, the total domestic water meters installed were 68,449, which averaged 22,816 meters per year or 14 per cent above the cumulative target of 60,000 meters as stipulated in the Order, which is a clear indication that the metering programme has consistently performed beyond its original target. The report also highlights a reduction in meter installations during 2025. While GWI acknowledges that the annual target was not achieved, it is important that the circumstances surrounding this temporary slowdown are accurately presented.

The temporary decline experienced in 2025 resulted primarily from circumstances beyond GWI’s control. The utility’s contracted supplier, SMC Energy Brazil Ltd., ceased its Brazil operations and relocated its manufacturing to China, significantly delaying shipments of water meters destined for Guyana. Additional extenuating operational circumstances also contributed to a brief pause in the implementation programme.

These challenges have since been addressed. Measures have already been implemented and continue to be monitored to ensure that annual installation targets are achieved and that the objectives of PUC Order No. 2 of 2018 remain on track.

GWI also notes with disappointment that Kaieteur News did not afford the company a meaningful opportunity to provide technical clarification. Had this been done, the public would have benefited from a more balanced and accurate presentation of the PUC’s findings and the significant work already underway to address operational improvements.

GWI remains fully committed to transparency, regulatory compliance and the continuous improvement of its water supply systems. The company will continue investing in infrastructure, treatment processes and distribution networks to ensure that customers receive water that meets applicable health and safety standards.